Mental Health Should Not be Treated as a Stigma: Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma

Shillong, October 10, 2019:

The occasion of 'World Mental Health Day' was celebrated across the world on October 10, to raise awareness about the stigma surrounding mental illnesses.

On the occasion, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma brought attention to the high suicide rate in the country, and how it continues to be overlooked.

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In an Instagram post, Sangma informed that India has the highest suicide rate in South East Asia. The National People's Party (NPP) President further added that its awareness needs to be a part of educational curriculums in the schools. Sangma also informed that the Meghalaya Government is trying to address these issues to combat mental illnesses.

"This World Mental Health Day let us all remember to invest in our mental health. #MentalHealth should not be treated as a stigma and we must not be ashamed to address it", Sangma further wrote.

It may be mentioned here that the this is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma. It was first celebrated in 1992 at the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organization with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

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