In observance of World Mental Health Day 2025, Nagaland marked the occasion with multiple initiatives highlighting the importance of accessible mental healthcare, particularly during catastrophes and emergencies.
In Kohima, S Tainiu, Secretary of Health & Family Welfare, officially launched the ‘Video Consultation of Tele-MANAS’ at the conference hall of the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare. Tele-MANAS, a Government of India initiative, provides free, 24/7 tele-mental health services including counselling, psychotherapy, and psychiatric consultations via a toll-free helpline (14416) and a mobile application. The service acts as a digital extension of the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP) and ensures linkages to in-person services when needed.
Speaking on the occasion, Tainiu highlighted this year’s World Mental Health Day theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”, emphasizing the need for mental health support during crises such as natural disasters, conflicts, and pandemics. She noted that emergencies often cause trauma, grief, anxiety, depression, and insomnia, leaving deep psychological scars even when physical damage is addressed. Tainiu called for creating awareness, reducing stigma, promoting early detection, and fostering a supportive environment to ensure that no one faces such catastrophes alone.
In Mokokchung, the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) organized a World Mental Health Day event at the DMPH Treatment Centre, also under the same theme. Dr. Ademla Tinu, Medical Superintendent (IMDH) Mokokchung, emphasized that “Mental health is part of our overall health; there is no health without mental health,” stressing the consequences of delayed intervention. She highlighted stigma and lack of awareness as major barriers, adding, “There is no shame in talking about mental health. It is preventable, curable, and reversible.”
Dr Limanaro, DPO (UIP & RCH), underscored the inseparability of mental and physical health, encouraging openness in discussing mental health issues and calling on society to create awareness and support treatment. Esther Jamir shared a testimony on behalf of a patient, while the program, chaired by Tiakala Lemtur, Community Nurse (DMHP), saw participation from patients, caregivers, and staff from DMHP, IMDH, and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer.