SUMUM psychiatrist speaks to CRPF jawans on handling stress

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: Methods to maintain mental balance while handling responsibility in a stressful atmosphere were underlined at a program conducted for CRPF jawans here on Monday. Professor Dr. Subhendu Narayan Mishra, visiting Consultant Psychiatrist at SUM Ultimate Medicare (SUMUM), spoke to a gathering of more than 600 jawans providing them tips as to how they could maintain mental balance while facing stressful situations. Stating that India registered one suicide every four minutes because of depression, Prof. Mishra said mental stress often leads to conditions like diabetes, hypertension, insomnia and cardiac ailments. CRPF jawans work under stress while undertaking combing operations in Maoist infested areas or guarding the country’s borders, he said while pointing out that their family members also live under mental strain for long periods. Prof. Mishra advised the jawans to set aside at least one hour every day for their own self which needed to be devoted towards walking, cycling, workouts in the gym or listening to music. “You should do what you like to do during that one hour,” he said. It was also necessary not to regret the past or get stressed while thinking about the future. The need was to spend quality time with family members and attempt to go on an outing at least once every week, he said. “If a person faces a problem and no solution is available, suicide can never be the solution,” he said adding it is necessary to share the problem with a person who is willing to listen or consult a psychiatrist. The program, jointly organised by CRPF and SUMUM, was inaugurated by the CRPF DIG, Dr. S.Sujata and conducted by CRPF Composite Hospital. Dr. Sudeep Kumar, Consultant Pediatrician at CRPF Composite Hospital, was also present.