A mental health awareness programme for the staff of District Jail Wokha was organised by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Wokha under department of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) Nagaland, Tuesday.
A press release by the office of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Wokha stated that consultant psychiatrist, District Hospital Wokha, Dr.Chikrozho Kezo said the awareness programme was part of targeted intervention activity under DMHP.
“We organise such activities for educational institutions, churches, jails etc., to promote the techniques of dealing with mental health issues,” he said.
Dr. Kezo also emphasised on the importance of availing treatment to improve the quality of life, and added that the prison staff should be aware of the Mental Health Care Act 2017 in order to cope with any situation at District Jail.
Clinical Psychologist DMHP Wokha, Amenla Longkumer also explained the difference between mental health and mental illness, and highlighted the unique challenges faced by the staff of district jail as it was also a correctional facility.
She said, “As the situation in such facility is unpredictable, instant decision must be taken which might result in burnout among prison staff.”
Longkumer also spoke on challenges, impact of stress on health and work, coping strategies of prison staff were discussed. She concluded with special emphasis on practicing mindfulness.
District jail chief head warden in charge, Tsathungo Lotha said it was for the first time that such programme was held at District Jail for prison staff and thanked the DMHP staff for taking the initiative. More than 20 prison staff along with medical staffs attended the programme.
Awareness on mental health in Wokha
