On December 9, 2023, the Department of Psychology, St. Teresa’s College, (Autonomous) in association with the Rotaract Club of the college organized an online session on Mental Health Awareness for the UG students of the Psychology and Economics Department of the college. Rtn Divya Dinraj, Assistant Psychologist and Project Manager – Mental Health Safety and Improvement Programs for the UK’s National Health, New Castle UK  was the Resource Person for the session. The program was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cochin Milan.

The session commenced with an exploration of the fundamental concept of health and its interconnected factors. The resource person delved into crucial topics such as anxiety, and depression, dispelling commonly held myths surrounding mental health. Using statistical data and graphical representations, the presenter elucidated the root causes of mental illness and its prevalence across different age groups. Emphasis was placed on addressing the persistent stigma associated with mental health issues, highlighting the reluctance to openly discuss them in both home and workplace environments. The session concluded with a strong emphasis on the importance of prioritizing mental health fitness alongside physical health. The resource person underscored the need for heightened awareness and encouraged participants to be more attentive to their mental well-being. A detailed Q&A session provided participants with an opportunity to seek clarification. The event concluded at 7:40 PM.

Outcome: The information disseminated during the seminar served as an eye-opener for participants, equipping them with strategies for addressing mental and emotional issues. The session successfully dispelled prevalent myths and misconceptions surrounding mental health, fostering an enhanced understanding of the causes and symptoms of mental illness among the attendees.