Khanapara (Meghalaya), Oct 11 : A National Workshop on ‘Fostering Mental Health and Well-Being for Enhanced Quality of Life’ was organized yesterday by the University School of Law and Research, USTM in collaboration with Nirman Rehabilitation Facility, Guwahati commemorating World Mental Health Day.
The event aimed to create awareness about mental health issues and reduce stigma through expert insights and interactive sessions. Its objective was to provide practical strategies and tools for improving mental well-being, encourage advocacy and active participation in promoting mental health support and services.
The event was attended by Mr. Sanjeev Bhattacharya (Peer Educator), Ms. Piyali Bhattacharya(Family Therapist), Ms. Nimisha Choudhary (Counseling Psychologist), Ms. Kirti Sharma(Counseling Psychologist) together with the students and faculty members of University School of Law and Research, USTM. Dr. Baharul Islam, Dean, University School of Law and Research, USTM felicitated the guests Sanjeev Bhattacharya, Ms. Piyali Bhattacharya, Ms. Nimisha Choudhary and Ms. Kirti Sharma.
Addressing the participants, Ms. Kirti Sharma highlighted this year’s theme of World Mental Health Day –“Mental Health is a Universal human right” which she said is a global reminder as to the importance of Mental Health and how we should not put a blind eye to it.
Emphasizing our negligence towards it, she stated “In case of mental health we delay because of the stigma attached to it. We self-diagnose it and therefore lag behind”. She stated how we should take prompt actions for Mental Health and not wait for trauma to take over us.
Sanjeev Bhattacharya, Peer Educator highlighted substance use disorder which has taken a toll on the youths now-a-days. He stated Peer Pressure, Social Environment, and Genetic factors to be the main cause of SUD. He explained briefly the features of SUD such as negative consequences, denial, and loss of control to name a few. He stated, “SUV is not a habit, but a disorder and outside help needs to be taken for it”
Ms Piyali Bhattacharya spoke at length on what health actually means, presenting statistics on mental health in India, the reasons for not seeking help, general family response, and finally the treatment for it. She stated how health cannot be confined only to physical health but consists of four pillars which are physical, environmental, cognitive, and social health.
She in her speech highlighted the treatments available for mental health such as OPD and Rehabilitation, the procedures involved in it, and how one is required to seek it breaking the stigmas attached to it. This was followed by an interactive session with the students of USLR.
The Workshop ended with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anurekha Goswami, Associate Professor, USLR, USTM. She thanked the speakers for the enlightening session and emphasized how this program helped bridge the gap that lies between society and the stigma and ambiguity surrounding mental health.