At least 191 suicide cases between 2017 and 2020 were recorded in Nagaland. 2020 recorded an all time high of 53 cases while 48 cases were recorded in 2021 according to an official data. Meanwhile, India recorded over 1.64 lakh deaths due to suicides in 2021, an average of nearly 450 daily or 18 every hour, with the figures reaching the highest for any calendar year so far. Yet, despite the alarming data, mental health continues to be one of the most neglected and misunderstood areas of health disorder globally.
There are several reasons as to why mental health has been ignored. First, because of its association with stigma; second, the perception that mental health disorders are a “luxury good” as opposed to actual illnesses and additionally the provision of mental health services mainly attached with psychiatric hospitals.
Mental health refers to cognitive, behavioral, and emotional well-being. It is all about how people think, feel, and behave and mental health problems have a wide range of causes. It is likely that for many people there is a complicated combination of factors – although different people may be more deeply affected by certain things than others.
According to senior medical officer at the State Mental Health Institute Kohima (SMHIK), Dr Viketoulie Pienyü, 20% of mental illness reported in the state is associated with substance abuse such as alcohol and drugs while Alemrenla Jamir, Educator and Human Development Analyst observed that anxiety, depression and eating disorders are the most common mental health issues among Naga youths.
According to Kariuganhliu Kamei Koza, Founding Managing Director, Centre for Integrated Counseling Services, Kitsubozou Kohima, adolescents whose parents verbally abuse them have poorer mental health deterring them from developing a well-balanced personality and making them vulnerable to develop mental health conditions.
“The verbal abuse can range from condemning words or phrases like “Sa la! Itu bi na pare! Budhu! Pakala! Third class! Satan laga bacha! You are good for nothing! You are worthless! You are useless! What a waste of money! What will these marks bring for you? Can’t you be like that neighbour’s children? Is there nothing that you can do? Such verbal abuses of parents in the form of disciplining their children become detrimental to their well-being,” Koza added.
According to a survey conducted by Deloitte India in their survey named ‘Mental health and well-being in the workplace’, workplace stress contributed to around 80% of issues.
According to Dr Viketoulie Pienyü, symptoms of mental health include having sleepless nights, inactivity, inability to socialize, and being unproductive. To preserve mental health, he said it is important to sleep well, indulge in physical activities, stay socially active, and spend time with family.
With all that being said, mental illness makes one miserable and causes problems in daily life, such as at school, work or in relationships. In most cases, mental health services can reduce the risk of chronic diseases related to stress, anxiety and substance abuse and can save lives, while improving the outlook for people who may feel hopeless and lost. Thus, the Government, civil society and NGOs need to speak more and raise more awareness on mental health. Moreover, funds must be dedicated to win the battle against rising mental health concerns.
