Mental health challenges and coping strategies in Manipur : A comprehensive guide
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Birendra Laishram
Mental health is not a luxury—it is a Constitutional necessity. In Manipur, where communities continue to reel from violence and displacement, the silence around psychological suffering must be broken. We call upon the Government of Manipur and the Union Ministry of Health to commission an updated mental health survey and deploy mobile units to reach those most affected. The resilience of our people must be matched by responsive governance. Let us not wait for another crisis to act—mental health is the crisis.
The busy public space appears chaotic. Vehicles and pedestrians disregard traffic rules, with impulsive behaviour and phone distractions adding to the disorder. This neglect of safety reflects potential community distress due to mental illness.
Mental health, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being, plays a crucial role in daily functioning and overall quality of life. It is an integral component of overall well-being, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social states. Mental health challenges are diverse and can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function effectively in daily life.
The mental health landscape in Manipur is influenced by unique socio-cultural factors. Urbaniza- tion and ongoing conflict-related stressors, such as displacement, unemployment, and civic unrest, can exacerbate mental health issues. Targeted programs for students, mothers, and frontline workers are essential to address the specific needs of these vulnerable populations.
Mental Health Statistics in Manipur: According to the Head of Psychiatry at RIMS, Imphal, an estimated 1 in every 8 persons in Manipur experiences mental health issues, against the global average of 13 out of 100 individuals. Manipur is facing a mental health crisis intensified by ongoing ethnic violence, unrest, and displacement. While current estimates suggest that 12.5% of the State’s population experiences mental health issues—slightly below the National average— this likely underestimates the true impact due to stigma, limited access to care, and a lack of updated data since May 2023. Key challenges include outdated prevalence estimates that don’t reflect the recent conflict’s psychological impact, inadequate mental health infrastructure concentrated in urban areas, a lack of targeted interventions for affected populations, and persistent stigma hindering help-seeking.
A 2023 cross-sectional study conducted in Lam-phelpat and Imphal sur- veyed 3,200 school children, uncovering troubling trends in adolescent mental health. The findings revealed that 50.7% of adolescents exhibited signs of severe anxiety, while 33.7% showed symptoms of moderate depression. Specific groups were identified as being more vulnerable to heightened anxiety levels, including students attending private schools, female adolescents, individuals from Meitei communities, and those with only one sibling.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a significant concern among children affected by recent violence in the region. Many of these children are displaying symptoms of PTSD, prompting the State Mental Health Team to actively offer counselling and psycho- logical support. Such efforts aim to mitigate the long-term impact of trauma and provide immediate relief.
What this means for Lamphelpat and Imphal survey? These statistics highlight an urgent mental health crisis in Manipur that demands immediate and comprehensive action. Community-based interventions, such as school mental health programs, are critical for identifying individuals in need and ensuring timely intervention. Additionally, culturally sensitive counselling approaches tailored to local identities, traditions, and values are vital for fostering trust, building rapport, and delivering effective mental health care. Addressing this crisis will require collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, mental health professionals, and community leaders to create sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of Manipur’s population. Public education campaigns are needed to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and promote early help-seeking behaviour.
A detailed guide to effective coping strategies and available mental health resources in Manipur, tailored to the current socio-political context and community needs.
Mindfulness and meditation practices help individuals regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve focus are widely practiced in relief camps and community centres in Manipur. Deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques are used in trauma recovery and stress management, particularly for displaced individuals who may be experiencing heightened anxiety or flashbacks. These exercises help individuals to calm their nervous system and reconnect with the present moment. Creative Arts Therapy like drawing, music, weaving, and storytelling are used as therapeutic tools to help individual process trauma, express emotions, and build resilience. These creative outlets provide a safe and non-verbal way to explore difficult experiences.
Social and Community-Based Approaches
Peer support groups are encouraged in schools and camps to reduce isolation and foster shared healing. These groups provide a sense of community and allow individuals to share their experiences with others who understand. Youth and women are trained to provide Psychological First Aid and emotional support to community members in need. This approach empowers community members to support one another and strengthen social bonds. Rebuilding identity and social cohesion through indigenous practices and festivals is essential for promoting mental well-being and healing. These events provide opportunities for community members to connect with their culture, share traditions, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Yoga and walking groups are promoted for mental clarity and emotional balance. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
Routine and Structure
Maintaining daily routines helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Establishing consistent sleep schedules, meal times, and activities can provide a sense of predictability and control. Reducing exposure to media coverage of violence and avoiding triggering environments is important for minimizing distress and promoting emotional safety.
Available Mental Health Resources in Manipur
Institutional and Clinical Support: The RIMS Psychiatry Department, offers outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care; led by Dr RK Lenin Singh, a key mental health advocate. The State Mental Health Helpline provides phone-based counselling and crisis support across districts. FirstTherapy.org provides free online sessions with certified professionals; accessible to Manipur residents.
Community and NGO Initiatives: Snehadhara Foundation & Matai Society is Arts-based interventions in relief camps; supports children, youths and women through trauma recovery. The Manipur Fellowship trains local volunteers in mental health support and community resilience building. Informal Collective Trust is a network of psychologists, lawyers, and educators offering integrated support services.
Local Challenges and Opportunities : Conflict-related trauma is increasing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Youth vulnerability is also a concern, with high rates of anxiety and depression, especially among adolescents in private schools and Meitei communities. Finally, access barriers persist in remote areas due to shortages of trained professionals and infrastructure.
A Statewide mental health survey, commissioned by RIMS and supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, will focus on conflict- affected populations, displaced persons, and children. The survey will employ culturally sensitive tools and local language facilitators, and be conducted in collaboration with tribal councils and civil society groups. Mobile Mental Health Units will be established, deploying trained professionals to relief camps, remote villages, and schools to provide psychological first aid, trauma counselling, and referral services. A Mental Health Task Force for Manipur, comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and community leaders, will monitor mental health trends, advise on policy and budget allocations, and coordinate with national mental health programs. Mental health support will be integrated into disaster response protocols as a core component of humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts.
Mental health is not a luxury—it is a Constitutional necessity. In Manipur, where communities continue to reel from violence and displacement, the silence around psychological suffering must be broken. We call upon the Government of Manipur and the Union Ministry of Health to commission an updated mental health survey and deploy mobile units to reach those most affected. The resilience of our people must be matched by responsive governance. Let us not wait for another crisis to act—mental health is the crisis.
The busy public space appears chaotic. Vehicles and pedestrians disregard traffic rules, with impulsive behaviour and phone distractions adding to the disorder. This neglect of safety reflects potential community distress due to mental illness.
Mental health, encompassing emotional, psychological, and social well-being, plays a crucial role in daily functioning and overall quality of life. It is an integral component of overall well-being, encompassing our emotional, psychological, and social states. Mental health challenges are diverse and can significantly impact an individual’s ability to function effectively in daily life.
The mental health landscape in Manipur is influenced by unique socio-cultural factors. Urbaniza- tion and ongoing conflict-related stressors, such as displacement, unemployment, and civic unrest, can exacerbate mental health issues. Targeted programs for students, mothers, and frontline workers are essential to address the specific needs of these vulnerable populations.
Mental Health Statistics in Manipur: According to the Head of Psychiatry at RIMS, Imphal, an estimated 1 in every 8 persons in Manipur experiences mental health issues, against the global average of 13 out of 100 individuals. Manipur is facing a mental health crisis intensified by ongoing ethnic violence, unrest, and displacement. While current estimates suggest that 12.5% of the State’s population experiences mental health issues—slightly below the National average— this likely underestimates the true impact due to stigma, limited access to care, and a lack of updated data since May 2023. Key challenges include outdated prevalence estimates that don’t reflect the recent conflict’s psychological impact, inadequate mental health infrastructure concentrated in urban areas, a lack of targeted interventions for affected populations, and persistent stigma hindering help-seeking.
A 2023 cross-sectional study conducted in Lam-phelpat and Imphal sur- veyed 3,200 school children, uncovering troubling trends in adolescent mental health. The findings revealed that 50.7% of adolescents exhibited signs of severe anxiety, while 33.7% showed symptoms of moderate depression. Specific groups were identified as being more vulnerable to heightened anxiety levels, including students attending private schools, female adolescents, individuals from Meitei communities, and those with only one sibling.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has emerged as a significant concern among children affected by recent violence in the region. Many of these children are displaying symptoms of PTSD, prompting the State Mental Health Team to actively offer counselling and psycho- logical support. Such efforts aim to mitigate the long-term impact of trauma and provide immediate relief.
What this means for Lamphelpat and Imphal survey? These statistics highlight an urgent mental health crisis in Manipur that demands immediate and comprehensive action. Community-based interventions, such as school mental health programs, are critical for identifying individuals in need and ensuring timely intervention. Additionally, culturally sensitive counselling approaches tailored to local identities, traditions, and values are vital for fostering trust, building rapport, and delivering effective mental health care. Addressing this crisis will require collaboration among government agencies, educational institutions, mental health professionals, and community leaders to create sustainable solutions that prioritize the well-being of Manipur’s population. Public education campaigns are needed to reduce stigma associated with mental illness and promote early help-seeking behaviour.
A detailed guide to effective coping strategies and available mental health resources in Manipur, tailored to the current socio-political context and community needs.
Mindfulness and meditation practices help individuals regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and improve focus are widely practiced in relief camps and community centres in Manipur. Deep breathing exercises and grounding techniques are used in trauma recovery and stress management, particularly for displaced individuals who may be experiencing heightened anxiety or flashbacks. These exercises help individuals to calm their nervous system and reconnect with the present moment. Creative Arts Therapy like drawing, music, weaving, and storytelling are used as therapeutic tools to help individual process trauma, express emotions, and build resilience. These creative outlets provide a safe and non-verbal way to explore difficult experiences.
Social and Community-Based Approaches
Peer support groups are encouraged in schools and camps to reduce isolation and foster shared healing. These groups provide a sense of community and allow individuals to share their experiences with others who understand. Youth and women are trained to provide Psychological First Aid and emotional support to community members in need. This approach empowers community members to support one another and strengthen social bonds. Rebuilding identity and social cohesion through indigenous practices and festivals is essential for promoting mental well-being and healing. These events provide opportunities for community members to connect with their culture, share traditions, and celebrate their shared heritage.
Yoga and walking groups are promoted for mental clarity and emotional balance. Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall well-being.
Routine and Structure
Maintaining daily routines helps stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Establishing consistent sleep schedules, meal times, and activities can provide a sense of predictability and control. Reducing exposure to media coverage of violence and avoiding triggering environments is important for minimizing distress and promoting emotional safety.
Available Mental Health Resources in Manipur
Institutional and Clinical Support: The RIMS Psychiatry Department, offers outpatient and inpatient psychiatric care; led by Dr RK Lenin Singh, a key mental health advocate. The State Mental Health Helpline provides phone-based counselling and crisis support across districts. FirstTherapy.org provides free online sessions with certified professionals; accessible to Manipur residents.
Community and NGO Initiatives: Snehadhara Foundation & Matai Society is Arts-based interventions in relief camps; supports children, youths and women through trauma recovery. The Manipur Fellowship trains local volunteers in mental health support and community resilience building. Informal Collective Trust is a network of psychologists, lawyers, and educators offering integrated support services.
Local Challenges and Opportunities : Conflict-related trauma is increasing PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Youth vulnerability is also a concern, with high rates of anxiety and depression, especially among adolescents in private schools and Meitei communities. Finally, access barriers persist in remote areas due to shortages of trained professionals and infrastructure.
A Statewide mental health survey, commissioned by RIMS and supported by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, will focus on conflict- affected populations, displaced persons, and children. The survey will employ culturally sensitive tools and local language facilitators, and be conducted in collaboration with tribal councils and civil society groups. Mobile Mental Health Units will be established, deploying trained professionals to relief camps, remote villages, and schools to provide psychological first aid, trauma counselling, and referral services. A Mental Health Task Force for Manipur, comprising psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and community leaders, will monitor mental health trends, advise on policy and budget allocations, and coordinate with national mental health programs. Mental health support will be integrated into disaster response protocols as a core component of humanitarian aid and rehabilitation efforts.