District Mental Health Programme at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima observed World Mental Health Day 2025.
Kohima, October 30 (MExN): The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) observed World Mental Health Day 2025 and conducted a series of events for Mental Health Month.
The World Mental Health Day observance was held in collaboration with the Psychology departments of Sazolie College, Jotsoma; St Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama; and Oriental College, Kohima, according to a press release.
Resource persons Ruokuotuonuo Rutsa, a Clinical Psychologist, and Veronica Nriame, a Psychiatric Social Worker, addressed the gatherings. They emphasised the day's objective to raise global awareness and mobilise support for mental health, underscoring that “there is no health without mental health.”
The theme for this year, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” was highlighted. The experts noted that crises like natural disasters and conflicts cause significant emotional distress, with one in five people affected by a mental health condition.
They stated that the theme underscores the critical need to protect mental well-being during global instability, which saves lives and empowers individuals and communities to cope, heal, and recover.
Sessions on stress management and mental well-being were also conducted, the release added.
Separately, the DMHP team observed Mental Health Month with awareness and screening sessions at the Destitute Home, Kezieke, and the Bright Morning Star Children’s Home, Perizie, on October 28 and 29, respectively.
The resource persons, Dr Thinuosatuo Mezhu, Senior Psychiatrist and Nodal Officer for DMHP, and Kethozenuo Mere, a Psychiatric Nurse, spoke on the significance of mental health, signs of common disorders, and childhood and adolescent psychiatry.
They also discussed mental health promotion and soft skills like communication, empathy, and self-awareness.
