Dr Chikrozho Kezo along with DMHP and prison staffs during mental health awareness programme at District Jail Wokha on March 7.
Wokha, March 8 (MExN): District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) Wokha under Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland organised a mental health awareness programme for the staff of District Jail Wokha on March 7.
A press release from the Office of the Chief Medical Officer, Wokha stated that Dr Chikrozho Kezo, Consultant Psychiatrist, District Hospital Wokha said the awareness programme is part of targeted intervention activity under DMHP.
“We organised such activities for educational institutions, churches, jails.etc to promote the techniques of dealing with mental health issues, he said. He also emphasised on the importance of getting treatment to improve the quality of life,” Dr Kezo stated. He said the prison staff should be well aware of the Mental Health Care Act 2017 inorder to cope with any situation at District Jail.
DMHP Wokha Clinical Psychologist, Amenla Longkumer explained on the difference between mental health and mental illness. She 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, she added.
Topics on challenges, impact of stress on health and work, coping strategies of prison staff were discussed, with special emphasis on practicing mindfulness.
District Jail Chief Head Warner 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.
