Aligarh: The Department of Psychology at Aligarh Muslim University organized a one-day seminar on ‘Fostering Mental Health: Prevention, Intervention, and Advocacy’, at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Social Sciences, to mark World Mental Health Day.

Delivering the keynote address, Prof Mehraj Uddin Mir, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir, highlighted the interdependence of physical and mental health and explored fundamental human needs - physical, social, psychological, and spiritual. He introduced the acronym ‘PEACE’- Pressure, Emptiness, Anxiety, Curiosity, and Escapism - to frame the conversation around rising workplace suicide rates.

The Guest of Honour Prof Shafey Kidwai, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, discussed the dehumanizing effects of digital technology, particularly cyberbullying. Prof Roomana N Siddiqui, Coordinator, the Students’ Counselling Centre at AMU, stressed the importance of day-to-day mental health awareness.

Earlier, Prof Shah Alam, Chairman, the Department of Psychology, highlighted the relevance of the theme of World Mental Health Day, “It is time to prioritize mental health in the workplace”.

He elucidated the prevalence of mental health issues. He shared brief statistics on mental health, emphasizing the need to maintain positive relationships, self-awareness, goal setting, time management, self-control, maintaining healthy habits, and integrating religious or spiritual practices. On the occasion, a booklet on mental health care was released. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Kashish.

Following the inaugural session, four parallel technical sessions were held at various venues, chaired by Prof Roomana N Siddiqui, Dr Nasheed Imtiaz, Dr Reshma Jamal, Dr Salma Kaneez, and co-chaired by Dr Mahvish Fatima, Dr Asif Hasan, Dr Sarah Javed, and Dr Heena Parveen.

In total, 66 papers covered diverse sub-themes on mental health at the workplace. In the valedictory session, prizes were distributed for the best paper presentations in each technical session and for the poster competition held on Suicide Prevention Day, September 10. A report of the seminar was also presented. Ilma Fatima proposed a vote of thanks, while Sadaf Suhail and Shafque Usmani conducted the session.

Meanwhile, the Department of Psychology organized a variety of engaging activities. Students set up interactive stalls to raise awareness about mental health, coping mechanisms, and overall wellness. A teachers’ training programme was also organized for school teachers of AMU by Prof Shah Alam, exploring various challenges students face today.

Alongside the event, Dr Ayesha Khan, Guest Faculty, and Talha Ahmad, Research Scholar, from the Department of Psychology, delivered a lecture titled ‘Men’s Mental Health: A Critical Examination’ for undergraduate students. The speakers emphasized coping strategies and the importance of inclusive mental health care.

The Department of Psychiatry at JN Medical College observed the World Mental Health Day with a series of events including a Nukkad Natak, in collaboration with the College of Nursing, which engaged the audience and highlighted mental health themes.

Dr Jitendra and Dr Faisal Shaan delivered lectures, sharing valuable insights and information on mental health. Dr Firdaus, a representative from RDA also spoke on mental health issues in residents.

Dignitaries, including Prof Veena Maheshwari, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Dr Mohd Reyazuddin, Chairman, Department of Psychiatry graced the occasion. Dr Riyazuddin welcomed the guests and attendees.

The results of the poster competition organized by the Department were also announced. Dr Shalija Singh and Dr Akansha conducted the programme, while Prof Deoshree Akhouri delivered a vote of thanks.

The College of Nursing observed Mental Health Day, under the guidance of Prof Farha Azmi, the Principal. The day-long events were organized by Pamela Joseph, Assistant Professor.

The day began with spreading awareness with a street play on ‘Mental health among female workers’ by BSc Nursing V Semester students, at the JNMCH OPD Hall, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry. The programme was supervised by Dr Vijay Laxmi Verma, Associate Professor and Deepti Minj, Tutor.

Later on, an interactive session was held at the College of Nursing by Dr Rehana Ahmad, Counselling Psychologist, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, JNMC.

This was followed by a Quiz competition for BSc Nursing students, in which Alfia, Salma, Iram, Jamid and Sheetal grabbed the first position.

The Department of Psychiatry, JNMCH organized an e-poster competition, where Charlie Agrawal of BSc Nursing V Semester secured the first position.

Begum Azeezun Nisa Hall, organised a lecture on the World Mental Health Day by renowned homeopathic physician and psychological counsellor Poonam Batra, to teach stress management and meditation students and increase their self-confidence.

Prof Asiya Chaudhary, Provost of the Hall delivered a welcome address and introduced the guest speaker. She said the challenge of adjustment in the new environment of the hostel, academic pressure, performance expectations, loneliness and the feeling of being away from home are some of the aspects due to which the female students living in the residential hall face mental blockages and disturbances.

Poonam Batra said mental health is important at every stage of life, be it childhood, adolescence or adulthood. “It affects our thoughts, feelings and actions and helps us deal with stress, establish relationships with others and make healthy choices,” she said.

Batra pointed out that about 300 million people around the world suffer from mental depression. 50 per cent of mental health problems start by the age of 14 years. Therefore, awareness about mental health issues is essential to deal with this tragedy.

Dr Iram, Dr Jyoti Kusumbal, all the members of the Hall Committee and the staff made a special contribution to the successful organization of the programme. 

The Socio Club of the Department of Sociology at Aligarh Muslim University organized two events, to mark World Mental Health Day. The events aimed to raise awareness about mental health among students and faculty, promoting both educational and creative engagement.

The first event was a lecture by Prof Shah Alam, Chairperson, Department of Psychology. In his address Prof Alam emphasized the critical role of mental well-being in academic and professional success, urging participants to prioritize mental health in their daily lives. He talked about multiple dimensions of mental health including personal accountability, time management and fearlessness. Nimra Ahmad, President of the Socio Club hosted the lecture, while Tuba Alam, Vice President of the Socio Club delivered a vote of thanks.

Additionally, the Socio Club organized a poster-making competition, in which Manstasha Sadaf from the Education Department got the first prize; Tuba Alam from Sociology received the second prize while Sara Ansari and Soni Saraswat shared the third prize. The competition was judged by Prof Sameena and Dr Sadaf Nasir from the Department of Sociology.

The Rural Health Training Centre of Jawan, under the aegis of the Department of Community Medicine organised a programme at CHS. Prof Uzma Eram, MIC, RHTC, Jawan discussed the importance of World Mental Health Day. She told the recently delivered mothers how to initiate breastfeeding.

Dr Ajitha A and Dr Shafia Shafiq talked about postpartum depression, its symptoms, how to diagnose it and when to seek professional care.

Sanitary napkins and protein powder were distributed to the mothers. Interns participated in IEC activities by making charts regarding World Mental Health Day.