DAC Namchi holds Mental Health Study and Suicide Prevention programme in Namchi

Namchi, February 7(IPR): District Administrative Centre (DAC) Namchi in collaboration with the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Pune organised a programme on Mental Health Study at the conference hall of DAC Namchi, today.
The event had the presence of Ms Anupa Tamling DC (Namchi), Mr Subash Ghimirey ADC(Namchi), Dr Karma Choden Bhutia(ADHS, HQ), Dr S N Adhikari CMO (Namchi) Mr Nim Pintsho Bhutia SDM Namchi(HQ), consultants from Central for Mental Health Law and Policy, Pune Mr Nitish Narkhedkar and Ms Neeraja Auti alongwith the officials from the line departments, members from Non-governmental Organisation, Self Help Groups and representatives from various education institutions and National Cadet Corps (NCC).
The event was organised as part of the Mental Health and Suicide Reduction initiative under Sikkim INSPIRES (Integrated Service Provision and Innovation for Reviving Economies). It aimed to discuss and address mental health issues and strategies for suicide prevention in Sikkim.
During the programme, DC Namchi highlighted the significance of the session, emphasising that the study is being conducted in the district as a pilot initiative in Sikkim. She further expressed concerns about the growing mental health issues and discussed potential preventive measures that could be implemented.
Dr. Sonam Lasoppa Sr. Clinical Psychologist cum Nodal Officer, Sikkim INSPIRES, H&FW Department informed that a baseline survey found around 20% of the population are experiencing mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. She highlighted the growing concern over drug misuse and emphasised the need for collaboration with stakeholders to combat this issue.
She said that the Health Department has adopted a community-driven approach to address mental health challenges, training health officials and planning of a model de-addiction project in the district as part of a model project in the district.
Additionally, a school health and wellness programme will be implemented that will be introduced the state. The department is also working on enhancing the curriculum and partnering under the Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) to train teachers from various schools. Two teachers from each government and private school will be trained to promote mental well-being among students, she elaborated.
Addressing concerns about the declining fertility rate, Dr. Lasoppa also talked about strategies to encourage population growth, including the upcoming availability of In vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment at STNM Hospital, Sochakgang.
Mr Nitish Narkhedkar gave an overview of the organisations efforts in formulating mental health policies in the country. He also discussed various factors contributing to chronic mental health issues, along with research initiatives, large-scale interventions, community-based mental health programmes, and preventive measures.
Ms. Roshnila Gurung, AD and E&S Development Officer for Sikkim INSPIRES under the Planning and Development Department, provided an overview of the Sikkim INSPIRES project. She explained that the initiative aims to foster economic revival in Sikkim, with a particular focus on empowering women and youth, in collaboration with various departments. She also highlighted several support programs and mentioned the recent overseas placement programme for nurses.
Later, the team from the Centre for Mental Health Law and Policy, Pune also conducted an interactive session with stakeholders to discuss various proposals, action plans and sought inputs for addressing mental health issues.