With an aim to spread awareness on mental health issues, World Mental Health Day was held in Mendipathar College in Mendipathar.
World mental health day falling on October 10 being Sunday was today observed by the District Mental Health Programme (NHM) in tandem with District Legal Services Authority, North Garo Hills.
The programme was held under the theme, “Mental health in an unequal world.”
Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner, RP Marak said that mental health issues has become a common health challenge and only few mentally ill people are receiving proper treatment. The need of the hour is to educate the masses on mental health issues and the right mental support system be made accessible to them.
Z J Sangma, ADC in his speech pointed that many people with mental health illness are being ignored even in their own family and this calls for appropriate steps to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues. A change in mindset in dealing with mentally ill people should start from the family itself and then progress forward, he added.
As part of the programme, IEC board on mental health and helpline number 6009944122 were launched by the Deputy Commissioner.
