Imphal, Oct 10: The ongoing stress in Manipur, which has unfolded over the past five months, has undoubtedly taken a toll on the mental health of various segments of society. This crisis has inflicted irreparable losses on our society, resulting in the loss of precious lives, extensive property damage, and the displacement of thousands of people. Consequently, many individuals are grappling with emotional pain, anguish, frustration, and changes in their attitudes and behaviors.
It’s worth noting that Manipur already has a higher incidence of mental health illnesses than the national average, according to the 2015 National Mental Survey. However, the state lacks sufficient mental health institutes to adequately address this issue. The recent conflict has only exacerbated this problem.
In a conversation with psychiatrist Dr. RK Lenin Singh of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Manipur, he emphasized that a person’s well-being isn’t solely determined by physical health; strong mental health is equally essential. Unfortunately, mental health is one of the most neglected health concerns in India, a stark contrast to Western countries where mental health has been a priority for over a century.
Dr. Lenin Singh continued, stating that stigma and discrimination are among the primary reasons why mental health is rarely discussed as a public health issue. Fortunately, there have been some positive changes in this field over the past decade, and India is starting to recognize the importance of mental well-being.
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The Government of India conducted a mental health survey in 2015, revealing that mental health issues affect approximately 10% of the national population. However, Manipur surpasses this national average, with 13% of its population struggling with various mental health problems.
Dr. Lenin Singh pointed out that healthcare professionals in the mental health sector have been working to promote mental well-being. The COVID-19 pandemic played a role in raising awareness about mental health as people faced various challenges and disruptions to their lives due to job losses, lockdowns, and the closure of educational institutions. This shift in perspective highlighted the importance of mental well-being.
While society has gradually emerged from the grip of the pandemic, Manipur has recently faced another complex crisis with communal clashes that began on May 3 of this year. This ongoing crisis is affecting every segment of society, posing an undeniable risk of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with potential long-term consequences.
Dr. Lenin Singh emphasized that thousands of people have been displaced by this crisis, and when his team visited a relief camp, they observed that many victims were experiencing mental instability. Without proper care, such as counseling and psychosocial support, Manipur may face PTSD in the future, which could lead to significant societal losses. Therefore, a well-thought-out policy and program are needed to prevent PTSD.
People of all age groups in relief camps are experiencing various forms of mental health problems. For example, children, while resilient, develop fears after experiencing displacement. They may develop a fear of staying alone at night and often have nightmares or struggle to sleep soundly.
Additionally, among the youth, feelings of anger or frustration have emerged. The crisis disrupted their lives, careers, and hopes, motivating some to become village defenders or resort to drugs and other substances out of anger or frustration. Such changes in behavior can have long-term effects.
Dr. Lenin Singh stressed that there is a high likelihood of post-PTSD in disaster-affected states or countries. Therefore, a specific policy and program are essential to address these impacts in Manipur. A survey will be conducted to assess how this crisis has affected the state, providing valuable insights for policy and program development.
Furthermore, Manipur faces a shortage of mental healthcare professionals, with only around 30 psychiatrists in the state. To address this scarcity and make mental health treatment more accessible, the Tele MANAS service was launched last year. This toll-free service (144163) offers mental healthcare from 9:30 AM to 5 PM and is available to anyone. Dr. Lenin Singh encouraged people to take advantage of this service.
In conclusion, Dr. Lenin Singh appealed to the people of Manipur to cultivate a positive mindset and extend support to one another. By doing so, society can confront the present crisis courageously and ensure that no mental health issues go unaddressed.
