SRINAGAR: The Department of Psychology and Psychological Counselling Cell Amar Singh College today kick-started week-long programmes for observing ‘Mental Health Awareness Week’ focusing on this year’s theme ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’.
Dr. Ulfat Jan, Head Department of Psychology emphasized the need to acknowledge mental health issues as human rights issues and contended that all general human rights treaties apply to people with mental illness.
A lecture on Mental Health and Drug Abuse was delivered by Dr. Mehvish Registrar Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) and the expert was invited for the occasion.
Dr. Mehwish deliberated on the issue of substance use and its repercussions for mental health. She argued that the co-occurring disorders may further deteriorate the situation of the sufferer. She stressed the need to take substantive measures to ensure the eradication of concurrent disorders.
The Open Mike Session followed the lecture in which students participated with enthusiasm and shared the details of their personal battle with mental health issues. The open mike session was appreciated by the students, experts and guests alike.
Speaking at the event, Prof. (Dr) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Principal Amar Singh College and Nodal Principal Kashmir Division Colleges appreciated the efforts put in by the Department of Psychology and Psychological Counselling Cell for organizing a productive event and wished them the best for the upcoming programmes.
The principal also brought up the curtain on board of gratitude for students, guests and faculties to share what they are thankful for. He also launched the pledge campaign to learn about mental illness to talk about it and to contribute to fostering mental health and well-being for all.
The participants at the event also included the officials of Mission Youth Initiative an NGO working for mental well-being.