A one-day Targeted Intervention Training on Mental Health for healthcare workers was held at District Hospital, Peren, on 13 August 2024. Sunupienla (Psychiatric Social Worker, DMHP) and Temsurenla Aier (Assistant Professor, Northeast Christian University, Dimapur) were the resource persons.
In the first session, Sunupienla introduced the National Mental Health Program (NMHP) and discussed the implementation of the District Mental Health Program (DMHP) in districts. She highlighted the lack of manpower in the mental health sector in our state, particularly Psychiatric Doctors. She explained the importance of mental health, factors affecting it, and how healthcare workers can identify mental health problems. Additionally, she addressed myths and misconceptions about mental illness in our society, such as beliefs in evil spirits or supernatural causes. She also briefed participants about the Tele-MANAS toll-free number 14416, which provides mental health services and remote access to mental health professionals.
In the second session, Temsurenla Aier spoke about the importance of soft skills in mental health and the roles of mental health practitioners. She emphasized understanding patients’ emotions and perspectives, maintaining professionalism in emotionally charged situations, and ethical decision-making with a focus on the patient’s welfare. She encouraged participants to adopt these soft skills and integrate them into their daily practice.
The program was organized by the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP), Peren.