Kohima, 29 August (MTNews): Through technology-driven mental health services, Tele-MANAS aims to minimize the stigma attached to seeking mental health support, said Dr Ritu Thurr, Mission Director, National Health Mission, at the launching ceremony held today at the State Mental Health institute under the auspices of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’.
Tele-MANAS aim to pursue several key objectives such as facilitating early identification of mental health issues, enabling timely intervention and care. It also hopes to bridge the gap between mental health services and those in need by offering remote access to mental health professionals.
Dr Thurr also highlighted the comprehensive nature of mental health elaborating that it extends to thinking patterns, emotions, behavior, stress management, relationships, and decision making.
With its existing resources and strategic implementation, Dr Thurr believes that it would foster improvements in mental health while challenging societal stigmas since it aligns with advancing research and innovation within the mental health domain.
Senior Medical Officer (SMO) at State Mental Health Institute, Dr Nuvotso Khesoh, emphasized the ubiquity of mental health challenges and underscored mental illness as a leading contributor to ill health and disability worldwide. Dr Khesoh also outlined the far-reaching economic consequences of mental health issues and stressed the urgency of accessible, affordable, and convenient care and noted that the Tele mental health services will fill the gap by offering quality care to remote areas.