‘Mental health illnesses have to be treated medically’

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SMHIK observes World Mental Health Day

Morung Express News 
Kohima | October 11

Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at the State Mental Health Institute, Kohima, Dr Viketoulie Pienyü today said many people do not feel the need to access mental healthcare facilities such as treatment, medicine, counselling although they have mental health illness, as they do not know their illness or do not know where to seek help.

Dr Pienyü was speaking on the theme, ‘Make Mental Health and Well-Being for all a Global Priority’ during the World Mental Health Day programme organized by the State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK). The event was sponsored by the National Mental Health Programme, DHFW, Nagaland, Kohima at SMHI, Kohima. 

According to Dr Pienyü, there are different physical ailments for which treatment is required and likewise mental health illnesses also have to be treated medically through psychological, psychiatric and scientific treatment. 

With the SMHIK being the premiere and only mental health hospital in Nagaland, the Senior Medical Officer said that people with mental health issues from all over the state come to seek treatment. The Institute has a complete set of treatment facilities including medicines, which are provided through medically trained professions and caregivers, he said. 

Dr Pienyü said World Mental Health Day is an important occasion marked annually by the SMHIK to create awareness on mental health issues; to mobilize support from all sections of the society and especially government to address mental health issues; to overcome stigma and discrimination to provide access to treatment facilities; and to enable mental health care workers to come together and discuss problems and issues; and make public their activities so that people can come and access treatment facilities.

Why is it important to be mentally healthy?
Dr Pienyü remarked that good mental health is a necessity in order to enjoy life in totality.

According to him, “when we have good relationship with others, we become productive in our work, get good sleep, and are less tired.” However, it is just the opposite when one suffers from mental health illnesses. Some signs among persons with mental health issues include restlessness, irritability, sleep issues, self isolation, and being unproductive. A very common complaint is inability to get good sleep, he added. 

He also emphasised that mental health issues can affect not just the individual but also their family members. 

20% of mental illnesses in Nagaland related to substance abuse
Noting that stress has increased among the masses, he noted that a lot of people tend to take up drinking, smoking, drug use, etc., as a form of relieving stress, despite the substances being destructive. The SMO treats outpatients on a daily basis at the SHMIK maintained that substance abuse alone is responsible for 20% of all mental illness in Nagaland.

Therefore, he said it was important to sensitize on the fact these substances are not stress relievers. In particular, the SMO said many young people who come to the SHMIK have substance abuse problems. 

Stating that the country or nation cannot progress and move ahead if its citizens are not mentally healthy, he said that the Central Government has also realised the importance of mental health. During this year’s budget session in March, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her presentation listed it in the 10th most important priority. 

Need to seek mental healthcare facilities at an early stage 
Samhing and Tonili who were speaking on behalf of the resident patients’ family members shared the journey of reaching the SMHIK and the challenges they faced as caretakers. “We would not know a person is having mental health illness at an early stage,” Samhing said. A common approach, we tend to take is to take a family member to prayer centre or quacks for remedy. While these may seem helpful for a short duration, overtime the outcome is not consistent once the person is shifted home, the parents shared. 

For them, seeking medical facilities has led to drastic improvements. Frequent observation, right treatment at right time and taking necessary prescribed medicine on time has provided ease and relief for the patient and their family members, they attested. 

Motsou spoke on behalf of the patients. 

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kethokhrienuo Vitso, Head Pharmacist, SMHIK and Dr Khriesilie Sachü, Medical Superintendent, SMHIK pronounced the closing speech. 

A group of patents led by Medozelhou and friends presented a special song while Fr C Joseph, Counsellor at St Joseph College, Jakhama also presented a musical piece and spoke on the right attitude and perception on mental health through Christian perspective. Special gifts were presented to all the resident patients on this occasion.

Source: https://morungexpress.com/mental-health-illnesses-have-to-be-treated-medically

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