The Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR), organised a one-day seminar on “Navigating a World in Conflict: The Mental Health Implications of the Contemporary Geopolitical Crisis” at CIHSR on August 12.
The programme was the first combined CME-CNE programme and the first state-level seminar organised by the Department of Psychiatry, CIHSR. Health professionals from different districts and students from various colleges, including MSW and Psychology departments, attended the seminar.
The programme began with a prayer by Toshi Sanglir, followed by a welcome address from Dr Takum Mokholee, Head of the Department of Psychiatry, CIHSR. Dr Clement Momin, former Superintendent and Head of the Department of ENT, CIHSR, delivered the special address.
The sessions examined geopolitics, the changing nature of warfare and its psychological impact on individuals and communities. Speakers highlighted growing uncertainty, instability and the erosion of trust in conflict-affected societies. They also discussed mental health concerns arising from conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, the increasing demand for services and the existing mental health service gap.
The seminar emphasised that mental health care should extend beyond diagnosis, hospitals and conventional therapy spaces. Speakers stressed the importance of multidisciplinary support and the “human touch”, while noting that trauma can also have a pathway towards recovery and resilience.
The sessions further examined conflict-related challenges in Northeast India, including ethnic violence, taxation, AFSPA and the emergence of a drug-based economy and its mental health consequences. Storytelling was highlighted as a culturally relevant tool for psychological and community-based intervention, while speakers called for context-specific and community-level interventions.
The role of nurses in conflict situations was also discussed, particularly their access to distressed individuals and their potential for early identification and intervention.
A panel discussion on “Social Media Misinformation and Psychological Distress During Geopolitical Crisis”, led by Prof Khumjanbeni Murry, examined the psychological effects of misinformation and possible intervention strategies.
Observer feedback from the Nagaland Nursing Council was delivered by Imliyangla. Participants from Mount Mary College and NEISSR College shared their reflections. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Watitola Longkumer, Psychiatric Nurse, Department of Psychiatry, CIHSR.
