Dr. Chikrozho Kezo, consultant psychiatrist at District Hospital Wokha, stated the awareness programme was part of targeted intervention activity under DMHP, stated an update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Wokha.
“We organised such activities for educational institutions, churches, jails etc. to promote the techniques of dealing with mental health issues,” Dr. Kezo said.
He also emphasised on the importance of getting treatment to improve the quality of life. He stated that the prison staff should be made well aware of the Mental Health Care Act, 2017, in order to cope with any situation at District Jail.
The clinical psychologist of DMHP, Wokha, Amenla Longkumer, explained on the difference between mental health and mental illness. She also highlighted on unique challenges faced by the staff of district jail as it is a correctional facility.
“As the situation in such facility is unpredictable, instant decision has to be taken which might result in burnout among prison staff,” Longkumer said.
It stated that she spoke on challenges, impact of stress on health and work, coping strategies of prison staff. She concluded her speech by urging to pay special emphasis on practicing mindfulness.
The district jail chief head warder in-charge, Tsathungo Lotha , remarked that it was for the first time that such programme was held at District Jail for prison staff. He thanked the DMHP staff for taking the initiative.
Report further stated that more than 20 prison staff along with medical staff attended the programme. Dimapur, March 10 (EMN)