With advancement of life, our tradition and culture are being substituted by modern Culture, such as substance use, misuse of social media, extreme social obligation, dysfunctional family, competitive lifestyle, and so on, which is affecting people of every age. In the midst of all these unhealthy lifestyle, Mental health issues of our community and every part of the communities has emerged such as Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Eating Disorders, learning disability, Internet dependent, Alcohol and Substance abuse disorders, and other psychological problems, among many and along with all these, Covid-19 pandemic has also become a catalyst of many mental health issues in our society. And there is heightened demand for Psychological Counselling, Service and mental health workers but the stakeholders and concerned leaders have a great role to play in addressing these needs.
In order to address the mental health issues in Nagaland the Government has set up a District Mental Health Program (DMHP) in various districts. Yearly apart from other districts DMHP, Hospitals, Psychiatric clinics and counselling centres/ Mental health institution the report of new cases reaching 886 in 2024 who suffer from Mental disorders has been treated in OPD alone at District Mental Health Program, Dimapur.
According to the National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015-16; the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuroscience (NIMHANS), Bangalore, in collaboration with 15 institutions across the country, conducted the Mental Health Survey. It was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt of India. The report says nearly 15% of adults in India require treatment for one or more mental health disorders. But, Most of the Govt spend less than 1% of their budget on Mental Health. The Survey investigated the prevalence and patterns of Mental Health problems in India Nearly 150 million Indians currently require mental health care services, where mental health disorders are defined by International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) there are treatment Gaps that range 28% to 83%for various Mental Health disorders. Alcohol use disorders account for the highest treatment gap at 86% One in 20 people are depressed, and one in 40 has experienced depression in the past and it’s a World leading disability. The report says mental health disorders are more prevalent among males (13.9%) than females (7.5%) and 7.3% in the 13-17 age groups suffer from mental disorders. The Percentage nearly amounts to nearly 9.8 million people. Severe mental disorders include depression, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. The report recommends that the government must implement a policy of mental health literacy. The government policies should focus on promoting mental health, early recognition of Mental Disorders and ensure the rights of mentally ill persons, and de-stigmatize Mental illness.
We understand that various elements contribute to the growth, sustenance, and development of the institutional ecosystem where young minds gain learning experiences. Psychology, supported by research, offers valuable innovations to strengthen this ecosystem.
Therefore, my humble request is that stakeholders recognize and appreciate how psychology can support the resilience and progress of this environment, nurturing the young generation from an early age into fine youths of our vibrant society. As stakeholders and leaders in our society, we must recognize the immense potential of psychology in shaping mental nourishment and well-being. Three key areas—Bonds of Love, Learning Paradigms, and Modes of Mind to address essential human needs.
The National Education Policy emphasizes holistic learning experiences for children, aiming for their overall development within the school ecosystem. Around 48 million children nationwide may be at risk, requiring support for various cognitive, social, emotional, and behavioural challenges. In India, the ethos of integrated development focuses on nurturing the head, heart, and hands with a humanistic spirit, striving for righteous goals that benefit individuals and society alike. These three psychological domains—Bonds of Love, Learning Paradigms, and Modes of Mind should establish psychology as a key stakeholder in realizing the objectives of the National Education Policy 2020.
Furthermore, psychology should not be confined to addressing mental health issues or screening learners for specific abilities, which has traditionally been its primary role. But it has a far greater responsibility i.e. ensuring the holistic development of learners while fostering a righteous and well-balanced mind.
How to Promote Mental Well-being
To promote mental well-being, stakeholders and leaders can introduce essential elements to relevant departments, enriching learners’ experiences through psychological insights. Engaging psychologists and other key members of the school and community can help assess innovations, refine approaches, and make necessary adjustments. Encouraging a growth mindset through self-determined motivation rather than external rewards empowers young minds to contribute meaningfully to society, creating a positive and lasting impact. Essential initiatives for Mental Well-being are:
- School of Well-being: Schools should make student well-being a key objective. They should implement evidence-based strategies to teach mental well-being life skills for at least one hour each week, ensuring continuous support throughout a student’s academic life.
- Mental Health Training: Equip healthcare workers, teachers, social workers and church leaders to identify and address mental health issues early.
- Parental Awareness: Educate parents on recognizing and managing mental health challenges in children.
- Community Mental Health Centres: Offer affordable counselling, peer support, and mobile mental health units for rural areas.
Lastly, the former Honourable President of India, Ram Nath Kovid signed the Mental Health Care Act in April, 2017. The Act defines illness as a substantial disorder of thinking, mood and perception, orientation, or memory that grossly impairs judgement, behaviour and capacity to recognise reality or ability to meet the ordinary demands of life. It recognised mental conditions associated with the abuse of Alcohol and drugs. The preamble of MHCA,2017 promises to provide Mental Healthcare and services for persons with Mental Illness and to Protect, promote, and fulfil the rights while delivering healthcare services. This act provides care to the community. The Act is progressive, client Centric and rights based, The Act assures “RIGHTS OF THE PERSON WITH MENTAL ILLNESS” as the heart and soul of this legislation.
Capacity Building (Suggested Initiatives for the Nagaland Government in Mental Health and Counselling) - Establish institutions that can offer Specialized Psychology courses such as Counselling psychology, Career Counselling, Special Education, Organizational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Educational Counselling, and Family and Marriage Counselling.
- Certification and training programs for employed counsellors to enhance their skills.
- Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs to update knowledge and skills for practice and research.
Conclusion
Mental health institution like Lapiye centre for mental well-being collaborates with experts from premier institutes and NGOs to address mental health challenges through research and practical interventions. We conduct workshops and training for teachers, students, professionals, couples, and community leaders to promote mental well-being. Positive psychology, a growing field backed by extensive research, aligns with the Mental Healthcare Act 2017 and National Education Policies focus on psychological well-being, resilience, and creativity. Cultural psychology also plays a vital role in preserving indigenous knowledge, ensuring that traditional wisdom is integrated into modern mental health practices for a more holistic approach.
To ensure mental health support reaches all sections of society, policies must be reviewed to integrate services into schools, churches, hospitals, NGOs, and workplaces. Adequate budget allocation for capacity building, community-based interventions, and advanced training in higher education will strengthen mental health advocacy and accessibility for all.
Ms. Lovitoli Awomi
Counselling Psychologist
Phd Scholar
Founder, Lapiye Centre for Mental Well- Being
Chumoukidema, Nagaland