Shillong, October 10: The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) organised a series of mental health awareness programmes from October 8 to 10 to mark World Mental Health Day 2026, to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek timely professional help.
The programmes were organised by the Departments of Psychiatry and Community Medicine at the Rural Health and Training Centre in Bhoirymbong, Ri-Bhoi district, on October 8; the Health and Wellness Centre in Nongmensong on October 9; and the outpatient department (OPD) area on the third floor of NEIGRIHMS on October 10. Approximately 200 people participated in the three-day initiative.
Observed annually on October 10, World Mental Health Day aims to raise awareness and promote support for mental well-being. This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” highlights the importance of listening to people experiencing mental health difficulties and ensuring access to appropriate care.
The resource persons from the Department of Psychiatry included Dr Dazelle Sungoh and Dr Sankie B. Swer, Senior Residents; Kimberly Syiem, Psychologist; and Christina Hmangte, Psychiatric Staff Nurse Officer. The Department of Community Medicine was represented by Senior Residents Dr Tijo Rahim and Dr Priyadarshini Moirangthem.
As part of the outreach initiative, Dr Subhash Das, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at NEIGRIHMS, delivered a talk on “Mental Health, Postpartum and Geriatric Care” at Martin Luther Christian University, Umsawli, on October 8. Dr Arvind Nongpiur, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry, is also scheduled to participate as a resource person in an interactive mental health session at the National Institute of Technology, Sohra, on October 14.
NEIGRIHMS Director Prof. Nalin Mehta commended the team for its efforts to raise awareness and promote mental health within the community. He stressed that mental health issues should not be hidden or treated as taboo and encouraged people to speak openly about their experiences, seek professional assistance when needed and support those facing mental health challenges.
The awareness programmes included small-group discussions with patients, attendants and other participants on the signs and symptoms of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, psychotic disorders and substance use disorders. The sessions highlighted the importance of early identification and timely professional intervention.
Participants were also informed about mental health services available at NEIGRIHMS and the Tele-MANAS national mental health helpline, which can be reached at 14416 or 1-800-891-4416. Further information is available at the official website: https://telemanas.mohfw.gov.in/home.
The sessions encouraged participants to share their lived experiences, with the aim of reducing stigma, improving understanding among families and communities, and helping people feel more comfortable seeking support.
Through the initiative, NEIGRIHMS reaffirmed its commitment to promoting mental health awareness, improving access to mental health services and fostering a supportive environment where individuals can discuss mental health concerns without fear of discrimination or stigma.
