Prog stresses on better understanding of mental health and disorder

SHILLONG, April 1: A five-day training programme on ‘Integrated Approaches & Methods for Child Protection, Mental Health and Psychosocial Care for Children in Difficult Circumstances’, was organised by State Child Protection Society, Mission Vatsalya, of Social Welfare department for the District Child Protection Units, at Meghalaya Bharat Scouts and Guides Conference Hall, Shillong.
According to a statement in this regard, the training programme was organised in a bid to have a better understanding of mental health and mental disorder, develop communication skills and be able to identify mental health issues among children.
“Topics covered for the training were Introduction of mental health and mental disorder, internalising and externalising mental disorder in children, counselling and preliminary assessment for children, applying the child development lens from theory to practice, identifying emotional and behavioural problems and contexts-child’s experience and inner voice, essential communication skills like rapport-building, listening, recognition and acknowledgement of emotions, acceptance and non-judgmental attitude,” the statement said.
As part of the training programme, certificates were also distributed among the participants by Secretary of Social Welfare department IW Ingty, who was the chief guest on the occasion.
The resource persons for the training were Project Officer (Mental Health) Kriti Tikku; Project Officer (Care & Protection) of SAMVAD, NIMHANS, Bangalore, Aakanksha Kulkarni; Psychologist, District Mental Health Programme, East Khasi Hills, T Basawiawmoit; and Psychologist, DMHP, West Garo Hills, NG Momin.