Nagaland, Peren
Training on mental health conducted for healthcare workers in Peren
DIMAPUR — A one-day targeted intervention training on mental health for the healthcare workers was held at District Hospital, Peren, on Tuesday.
Sunupienla, psychiatric social worker from District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) and Temsurenla Aier, assistant professor at Northeast Christian University (NECU), Dimapur, were the resource persons.
An update from the office of the chief medical officer (CMO), Peren, stated that Sunupienla spoke on introduction of NMHP and its implementation in districts in the first session. She also highlighted the lack of manpower in the mental health sector in the state, especially psychiatric doctors.
She explained about the importance of mental health, factors affecting mental health and also on how to identify mental health problems as healthcare workers. Besides, she talked about the myths and misconceptions about mental health and illnesses in the society. She added that people still consider mental illness to be caused by evil spirits or the supernatural elements.
She further briefed about Tele- MANAS toll free number 14416, which provides mental health services to those in need by offering remote access to mental health professionals.
In the second session, Temsurenla Aier spoke on the importance of soft skills in mental health and roles of the mental health practitioner. She made the practitioner understand the patient’s emotions and perspective and emphasised on maintaining professionalism in emotionally charged situations and ethical decision-making by prioritising patient’s welfare.
She further encouraged the participants to adopt those soft skills and integrate into daily practice.
The programme was organised by District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Peren, and was attended by doctors and nurses from CHC Jalukie and Tening, PHC Athibung, Heningkunglwa, Dungki and District Hospital, Peren.