WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY
ITANAGAR, Oct 10: In observance of World Mental Health Day, the Capital Police, in collaboration with the Arunachal Pradesh Psychological Association (AAPPA), conducted a landmark mental health workshop for women police personnel stationed in the district.
Held at Ane's Home, within the Women Police Station in Itanagar, the workshop aimed to promote mental well-being in the demanding and high-stress field of law enforcement, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced by women officers.
This initiative is part of a broader series of outreach activities at Ane's Home, leading up to its formal inauguration scheduled within the next 15 days.
The event marked a significant milestone in fostering mental resilience among women in the police force, featuring prominent mental health professionals who provided essential insights and guidance.
Dr Jomyir Bagra, a counselor at Tele Manas and a PhD scholar, discussed the importance of accessible mental health counseling and support systems for police personnel.
Dr Leeyir Ete, chairperson of AAPPA and project scientist, led engaging sessions on managing workplace stress and developing coping strategies to help officers sustain long-term resilience in their demanding roles.
Supported by other AAPPA members, the workshop encouraged open dialogue, inviting participants to share personal experiences. This collaborative environment aimed to break down barriers surrounding mental health discussions, contributing to a broader movement to destigmatize mental health concerns in the workplace.
Coordinated by Women Police Station officer-in-charge inspector Rina Sonam, the workshop saw enthusiastic participation from all women officers posted in Itanagar. Sessions addressed daily stressors in law enforcement, emphasizing the critical role of mental well-being in enhancing morale, efficiency, and overall effectiveness.
Speaking on the significance of mental health in law enforcement, Dr Bagra said: "Women in policing often have to balance the intense demands of their profession with societal expectations, which can affect their mental well-being. It's vital to create a safe, stigma-free space where they can seek help and prioritize their mental health without fear."
Dr Ete highlighted the broader impact of the event, stating, "We are honored to partner with the Capital Police on World Mental Health Day to address the mental health needs of those in high-pressure professions. This workshop is a stepping stone towards a sustained effort in building a resilient and mentally healthy police force."
Inspector Sonam expressed her deep appreciation to AAPPA for their collaboration and underscored the importance of regular mental health initiatives for the force. "Workshops like this are invaluable in equipping our officers to manage the mental health challenges inherent in policing. Hosting it at Ane’s Home, a sanctuary for victims of domestic and sexual violence, was intentional. The facility offers a holistic support system through legal counseling, psychological services, a crèche, a gym, and more. We envision it as a future hub for mental well-being, not just for the police but for the community as a whole," she said.
The workshop concluded with a reaffirmation of the Capital Police's commitment to prioritizing the mental health of its officers.
At Doimukh: The Rajiv Gandhi University (RGU) inaugurated its first-ever mental health camp, marking a significant milestone for the department of psychology since its establishment in 2017. Vice Chancellor Prof S K Nayak inaugurated the event, emphasizing the importance of mental health awareness.
The camp, aligned with the 2024 World Mental Health Day theme, "Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace," was initiated by Dr Sandeep, Assistant Professor of Psychology. It aimed to engage students, faculty, and staff in various psychological activities.
An awareness talk led by Dr Sandeep highlighted mental health challenges faced by employees, focusing on issues like burnout, stress, and anxiety.
Following the talk, four interactive stalls offered free psychological testing, handwriting analysis, and counseling services. The “Expression-2024” activity encouraged participants to express themselves creatively.
The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students and faculty, contributing to a successful day dedicated to fostering mental health awareness.
With this initiative, RGU aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and prioritize well-being on campus.
Dr. Sandeep and his team hope to inspire similar initiatives in the future, ensuring mental well-being remains a priority for all.
At Pasighat: World Mental Health Day was also observed today at the Drug De-addiction and Rehabilitation Center in Jarkong, Pasighat.
The event was organized by the East Siang district health society.
Addressing the participants, the district medical officer spoke of the significance of the day and the connection between drug addiction and mental health.
Kenyam Pertin, a clinical psychologist, delivered a health talk focused on prioritizing mental health in the workplace and conducted a stress management session for the inmates, doctors, and paramedical staff at the center using the Maslach Burnout self-test.
Dr Kato Lego and Dr Oson Borang also spoke during the event.