Breaking the Silence: Kohima Science College holds mental health seminar

Jotsoma, October 17 (MExN): The Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) of Kohima Science College (Autonomous), Jotsoma, hosted a one-day seminar titled “Breaking the Silence: Understanding Mental Health” at the college’s conference hall on October 16. It brought together approximately 50 faculty members to address critical psychological well-being aspects within higher education.The seminar commenced with an inaugural programme chaired by Dr Lilongchem Thyug, Co-ordinator of IQAC, who briefed the gathering on the core concept behind organising the seminar and outlined the way forward.Dr Temjenwabang, Principal of KSCJ, delivered the welcome note, emphasising the vital importance of mental health in higher educational institutions and highlighting the role of the University Grants Commission (UGC) in effectively monitoring mental health challenges in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).The academic sessions featured expert resource persons addressing various dimensions of mental health. Bokatoli Sumi, Co-founder and Assistant Director, Serendip Guardians, spoke on “Understanding Students Mental Health: From Recognition to Support.” Through personal experience sharing, she enlightened the faculty on growing mental health concerns among students, particularly teenagers, and guided attendees on how to handle and share burdens without taking everything upon oneself, emphasising that educators do not need to be clinical experts to make a difference. She also reiterated that educational institutions must establish dedicated spaces and support systems to cater to mental health issues.Dr Temsulong Pongener, MD Psychiatry Senior Specialist and Nodal Officer DMHP, District Hospital Phek, delivered a session on “When Mental Health Problems Need Medical Treatment: A Psychiatric Approach.” Addressing the grim reality of mental health issues in Nagaland, he detailed methods for identifying severe clinical cases such as major depressive disorders, generalised anxiety disorders and acute trauma responses, and emphasised why early medical intervention is crucial. He noted that acknowledging the problem is the first vital step and stressed that chronic or debilitating distress must be viewed seriously, with clinical interventions such as evidence-based pharmacotherapy and structured psychiatric rehabilitation essential and unavoidable in many severe cases.Libeni Cheryl Jungi, Psychiatric Social Worker, Serendip Guardians, led the discussion on “Faculty Mental Health: Self Awareness, Healthy Boundaries and Self Care.” She engaged participants through practical exercises designed to help them assess their stress levels and recognise personal boundaries essential for mental well-being in an interactive, discussion-oriented and participative session.Following the sessions, faculty representatives Luiluile Lungalang, Dr Richard Dzuvichu and Rongdensungla, representing their respective peer groups from the departments of Zoology, English and Geography, shared their reflections and expressed immense satisfaction with the three comprehensive sessions.The programme concluded with a valedictory session chaired by J Sharon, Assistant General Secretary of KSCTA, and a vote of thanks pronounced by Dr Sedevikho Chase, Member Secretary, IQAC.