St. Joseph University holds webinar on ‘mental illness’

Dimapur, June 29 (EMN): Sociology department of St. Joseph University organised an online lecture on ‘Mental illness and social problems’ via Google meet on June 28 with the assistant professor of Sazolie College Mengu-ü Sekhose as the guest speaker.

An update from the university stated that the guest speaker had explained the meaning of mental illness and the different categories of psychological disorder. Mengu-ü Sekhose, who completed her master’s in clinical psychology from Nagaland University, also explained how mental illness becomes a social problem.

She spoke about how society constructs mental disorders and explained it with three important concepts- stereotype, stigma, and discrimination. She also spoke on suicide and mental health by citing examples from movies and provided facts for better understanding.

In conclusion, the speaker informed that more than half of the people suffering from mental illness do not seek treatment because of the fear of societal stigma. She stated that sociological solution for mental illness or in particular suicide could be provided through community groups and community programmes by involving those individuals with suicidal ideation into something that is larger than them.

The formal programme was followed with an open discussion where the participants have raised questions to clear their doubts. The webinar was attended by about 60 participants including both students and faculty.