Mental Health Awareness Programmes Focus on Self-Understanding, Support

Hyderabad:Rashtrapati Nilayam and the Government Degree College for Women (GDCW), Begumpet, among others, held awareness programmes focused on encouraging students and women to understand their emotions, seek support when needed and address mental health without stigma, to mark World Mental Health Day on Thursday.

At GDCW, Begumpet, an awareness programme was organised jointly by the English Department, Youngistaan Foundation and Youngistaan SDG Club. Foundation founder and director Arun Daniel, senior counsellor Preeti Samson Y. and counselling psychologist Arouna Stephen discussed emotional distress, the importance of listening without judgment and the need to create spaces where people could speak about their struggles. Students interacted with the professionals and discussed mental health beyond common misconceptions and stigma.

At Rashtrapati Nilayam, with around 1,150 students from schools, colleges and training institutions, besides parents, women’s organisations, doctors and student communities participated at the World Mental Health Day observance.

Rashtrapati Nilayam manager Dr K Rajani Priya said mental health should not be viewed only in terms of disorders but as an essential part of overall well-being. She said the sessions were intended to provide students with practical knowledge that could help them in their academic and personal lives and encouraged participants to discuss mental health openly.

Practising psychiatrist Dr Phani Bhushan Dronamraju spoke about puberty-related changes, peer pressure and self-esteem and encouraged students to reflect on their thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Motivational speaker Ranjeet Dasari addressed stage fear, hesitation and self-doubt and highlighted time management and the role of thoughts in shaping habits and attitudes.

Advocate Dr D. Sridevi explained legal rights and responsibilities relating to mental health, including provisions of the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, with emphasis on access to care, confidentiality and dignity. Psychologist Dr P. Anjan Kumar of Roshini Trust addressed concentration and excessive mobile phone use and suggested structured study practices, including focused study sessions followed by revision and short breaks.