NAHARLAGUN, Sep 06: The Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) is gearing up for the second phase of the National Mental Health Survey (NMHS-2), a vital initiative aimed at understanding and addressing the growing mental health challenges in Arunachal Pradesh.
This survey, conducted by the public health department of TRIHMS in collaboration with the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), will delve into key mental health issues across five districts of the state.
The focus of NMHS-2 is extensive, targeting the prevalence of anxiety, mood disorders, substance abuse (including alcohol and tobacco dependence), somatoform disorders, illness anxiety, and emerging concerns like internet and gaming addiction.
The survey aims to gather critical data on mental health across different age groups and vulnerable populations, providing a comprehensive picture of the mental health landscape in Arunachal.
An equally important aspect of the survey is its focus on the burden mental health issues place on families, as well as the socioeconomic impact of these disorders. The data collected will help shape future healthcare strategies and policies.
At the launch of the six-week workshop and training programme for NMHS-2 at TRIHMS, Director Dr Moji Jini underscored the urgency of tackling mental health issues, noting that the global rise in cases is concerning.
“Mental health is central to overall well-being. It influences every aspect of our lives, from our ability to handle stress to how we form relationships and make decisions. Awareness and accessible resources are crucial,” he said.
Dr Jini also emphasized that successfully conducting NMHS-2 could be a landmark achievement for the state's medical community.
Encouraging the field data collectors and coordinators, the director reminded them that their work holds great significance, as future mental health patients will depend on the findings of this survey.
Reflecting on the first National Mental Health Survey (2015-16), Dr Tame Kena, head of psychiatry at TRIHMS, shared that it uncovered key insights, including a significant lack of awareness and support for mental health issues across the country.
“The survey found that nearly 150 million people in India suffer from mental health conditions. This data is now driving mental health programming nationwide,” he said.
During the event, Dr Kena also highlighted the shortage of psychiatrists in Arunachal and pointed to substance abuse as a leading cause of mental health issues in the state.
Dr Anoop Dev, head of community medicine at TRIHMS, addressed the stigma surrounding mental illness.
“Many still view mental illness as a sign of weakness, or even fear that those affected are dangerous. We need to break these misconceptions through awareness campaigns and inclusive policies,” he remarked.
NMHS-2 is set to begin in October, with TRIHMS epidemiologist and assistant professor Dr Jichu Pulu and department of psychiatry’s senior resident Dr Misso Yubey as the principal investigators.
State Mental Hospital, Midpu clinical psychologist Nabam Yami, will be serving as a key resource person.
The survey will initially cover Papum Pare, Tawang, West Siang, Lohit, and Longding districts, providing valuable insights into the mental health of the state's population.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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