District Mental Health Programme targets young people, community with week-long campaign
Kohima — The District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) of the Naga Hospital Authority, Kohima, observed Suicide Prevention Week from September 11 to 16, carrying out targeted awareness and sensitisation activities in educational institutions, coaching centres and over broadcast media to promote help-seeking and reduce stigma around mental health.
The week-long initiative focused on engaging adolescents and young adults at schools and coaching centres across Kohima. Programmes were held at Government High School, New Market, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Mavericks Academy and NPSC Mentors in Kohima, the DMHP said. The outreach formed part of efforts to strengthen community-based suicide prevention and to encourage timely seeking of support.
"Changing the Narrative on Suicide"
The observance used the theme "Changing the Narrative on Suicide" and included discussions intended to address myths and misconceptions, the DMHP said. Officials sought to promote a culture of understanding, support and hope, and to make information about available services more widely known across Nagaland.
Media outreach and community engagement
In addition to in-person sessions, the DMHP team used public broadcasting platforms to reach the broader population. Programmes were aired on Akashvani Kohima and Doordarshan Nagaland, the statement added, as part of a wider public-awareness effort on suicide prevention and mental health services available across the State.
At the close of the observance, the DMHP expressed gratitude to the authorities, administrators, teaching staff and partner organisations that facilitated the programmes and provided opportunities to engage with students, young people and the wider community. The team called for collective action to create supportive environments where those experiencing distress can be heard and receive appropriate help.
Practical elements and community asks
The DMHP encouraged individuals and institutions to play an active part in building networks of support and to act as points of contact for those navigating difficult times. The outreach stressed the need to remove stigma, correct misinformation and make mental-health pathways clearer for students and families.
- Institutions visited: Government High School (New Market), Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Mavericks Academy, NPSC Mentors — Kohima.
- Broadcast partners: Akashvani Kohima and Doordarshan Nagaland.
- Theme: Changing the Narrative on Suicide, with emphasis on understanding, support and help-seeking.
| Activity | Venue / Platform | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| School and coaching-centre sessions | Selected institutions in Kohima | Awareness, myth-busting, sensitisation |
| Radio and TV outreach | Akashvani Kohima; Doordarshan Nagaland | Public education, signposting services |
The DMHP underlined that suicide prevention is a collective responsibility and urged communities to be vigilant to signs of distress, offer non-judgemental listening and guide affected individuals towards professional support. While the programme did not publish detailed service directories in its brief, the use of state broadcasting channels was intended to widen public knowledge of where help can be obtained.
The campaign in Kohima aligns with broader national and state efforts to increase mental-health literacy, remove barriers to care and develop community-based support networks. By prioritising schools and youth-oriented coaching centres, the DMHP targeted groups considered vulnerable due to academic pressure, social changes and transitional life stages.
Concluding the week, the DMHP reiterated its call for continued cooperation across government departments, educational institutions and civil society to foster environments where those experiencing difficult times can seek assistance without fear of stigma.
