The Alumni Association of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama, in collaboration with the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Kohima, under the National Health Mission, Nagaland, organised a mental health awareness programme at Bishop Abraham Memorial Indoor Stadium on Monday.
Veronica Nriame, Psychiatric Social Worker at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK), was the keynote speaker.
Addressing students, Nriame stressed the need to overcome stigma surrounding mental health, saying emotional well-being was as important as physical health. She cautioned against self-diagnosis of depression and anxiety, emphasising that only medical professionals could diagnose these conditions.
She explained that mental health challenges could manifest through sleep disturbances, poor concentration, loss of interest, isolation and persistent anxiety. She also highlighted the role of medication and therapy in treating trauma and addiction.
On substance abuse, Nriame said addiction was treatable and called for collective efforts to address drug and alcohol dependence. She also stressed that suicidal behaviour indicated a need for help and urged students to seek support rather than resort to substance use during emotional distress.
She encouraged students to manage stress through exercise, meditation, journalling, adequate sleep, hobbies and healthy social connections.
Nriame informed that Tele-MANAS and DMHP, NHAK, provided mental health support, including consultation, therapy and medicines. DMHP was functional in 11 districts of Nagaland. Assistance is available at 9402079798.
Earlier, Rev. Fr. C. Joseph, Counsellor of SJC (A), invoked God’s blessings, while Edward Patton, Vice President (General), chaired the programme. The welcome address was delivered by Thepfuvizo Peter Vizo, president, and Dr. Emilo Kikon, joint secretary of the alumni association, proposed the vote of thanks.
