‘Out of the Woods’ by Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o launched

August 27, 2022 80 Views No Comment

Morung Express News
Kohima | August 27

With mental illness usually considered as the burden of the family, Dr Kekhrie Yhome, Chairman, Nagaland Building & Other Construction Workers’ Welfare (NBOCWW) on Friday noted that “the denial as well as the care of such people around us also reflects how our care system is interwoven, how community care system is woven and the familial support which is one of the strongest points.”

He was speaking at the launch of Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o’s second novel ‘Out of the Woods,’ a book that addresses the issue of mental health in the state, at Kohima College, Kohima.

Referring to the book, he said, fortunately, the boy character in the book can actually articulate. “But what if madness is represented in the incommunicable?” he also posed. “What is essentially necessary here is we are also trying to grasp what is madness within us”, he remarked. Going back to ancient times, he also asked, “How did we take care of those people in our midst? What was our care system to those people in and around us? It was not like they didn’t exist.”

In the modern era, he highlighted that “we have institutionalized approach to madness. We have cure and confinement process, we have clinical therapist, the medical gaze is what is the norm.” Observing these as very quick changes post the 1960s, he remarked that “the idea of the patient with healers has tremendously changed.”

However, reiterating familial care and support as the strongest points, which Neikehienuo Mepfhu also strongly highlights in the book, he congratulated the author “on coming up with this very fine novel” and hoped that people take it positively.

Talking about the book, Neikehienuo Mepfhu expressed that “while writing, I have realized that there are two groups of people who need to read about mental illness – those who have mental illnesses and those who do not.” “The first category of people who have mental illness needs representation to feel less alone. Mental illness of all types tends to develop a sense of isolation and a deep-rooted pain that even leads to suicide. The second group of people needs to read about mental illness to understand what it is like to live with mental illness. This exposure can foster empathy, and combating ignorance, misunderstanding, and insensitivity,” she explained.

Putting across that “I want readers to know that this book on mental illness is not a substitute for medical advice,” she stated that “while mental health content provides general information, every person with mental health issues is unique and needs individualized care.”

When writing about mental health, the words we use and the way we frame our ideas can have unintended consequences or reinforce negative stereotypes, she further highlighted.

She exuded hope that “we use literature or words to open conversations, address social issues, educate, and actively destigmatize topics and issues in our society.” “It is written with the aim to create awareness and not pity or charity. I hope that it helps people to empathize with individuals and families dealing with mental health issues, even when they do not understand these individuals/families for doing the things they do,” she added.

She further expressed belief that “literature will open avenues to dismantle mental health stigmas that affect people’s well-being and also help those suffering in silence feel connected and seen.”

In her publisher’s note, Vishü Rita Krocha noted that while all books affect readers in different ways, some books have a way of impacting people and the society at large. Highlighting the importance of such books that not only entertain but also shape our thinking and help people evolve into better persons, she said, ‘Out of the Woods’ has done just that by challenging societal norms and offering invaluable insights on mental health.

She appreciated Neikehienuo Mepfhu-o for the courage she has shown in writing this very important book and hope that “it will reach many people and impact many more lives in our society.”

‘Out of the Woods’ is the 62nd publication of PenThrill Publication House.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/out-of-the-woods-by-neikehienuo-mepfhu-o-launched