World Mental Health Day observed in Nagaland

World Mental Health Day was observed at State Mental Health Institute Aradura, Kohima October 10 with directorate of health & family welfare (H&FW) principal director Dr. G. Kemp as chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest said the State Mental Health Institute was in a good condition due to the contribution of all the staff and officials, adding that the quality of service would further improve.  He emphasized on organising more programmes to create awareness, saying unless awareness was created among the people, the stigma attached to mental diseases would continue.
According to a DIPR report, chief guest also spoke on the need to create awareness on social acceptance as there was still the need to reach out to the people. He said “we need to work together for better treatment and better facilities”.
On the theme “Living with Schizophrenia”, Dr. P. Ngully spoke about the signs and symptoms of schizophrenic patients.  He said there should be empathy towards suffers and that family participation should be an integral part during treatment of schizophrenic patients.
Dr.Ngully added that schizophrenia was a manageable disease and awareness should prevail among all concerned. Dr. Along from the State Mental Health Institute Kohima, Aradura highlighted on the challenges faced in mental illness and the need to extend mental health care to the people who need them.
The programme was chaired by clinical psychologist, Themnungla and vote of thanks was proposed by Sr. Specialist, SMHI, Kohima, Dr. Viketoulie Pienyu.
‘Serendip Guardians’ launched
 On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, ‘Serendip Guardians’ was officially launched on the theme ‘living with Schizophrenia’ at Joyce complex, Chumukedima Thursday.
At the programme, Bosco Institute Director Jerry Thomas congratulated ‘Serendip guardians’ for the journey that organization took up and encouraged the gatherings to make a difference in the society.
Speaking on mental illness, Thomas said the society has been lagging behind to speak out and to give a thought on the matter.
He suggested that seminars and awareness programmes on mental health should be organized to spread the message. Further, he challenged the gatherings to join hands and move towards creating a healthy Nagaland.
‘Serendip Guardians’ was formed by young likeminded group of friends with zeal and passion to contribute meaningfully to the society. It has a plan to venture into rehabilitation of trafficked women and children in long run.  The objective of Serendip Guardians is to create awareness on mental health among youth through workshops and other activities besides carrying out studies related to mental health, built referral linkage with mental health and professionals and individuals and advocate improving mental health services in the society.   
Team leaders of the organization Rini Ghose and Sunny Kikon also spoke on the occasion. The programme was followed by exhibition, lighting of the lamp, and signature campaign.  The programme was attended by students from different schools, colleges and members from Young’s club, NGOs and organizations.