Activities mark World Mental Health Day at PGI
National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE), PGI, in collaboration with Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), UT Branch, marked Mental Health Day with a series of engaging activities aimed at raising awareness and promoting the importance of mental well-being.
The theme for the event was “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace”, emphasising the critical role mental health plays in professional settings. The event was organised under the guidance of Dr Sunita Sharma, Associate Professor. The celebration was packed with various activities designed to engage students, faculty and community at large over three days, from October 10.
The event featured a keynote address by Dr Deepika Khakha, Nursing Adviser, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. She spoke on the growing need for prioritising mental health at the workplace, sharing practical tips on creating mentally supportive environments for employees.
The chief guest for the event, Dr Subodh BN, Professor, Department of Psychiatry, PGI, shared his valuable insights on promotion of mental health at workplace. Dr Sukhpal Kaur, Principal of NINE and president of TNAI, emphasised the importance of creating a supportive work environment where every person’s mental health was prioritised.
One of the key initiatives of the event was providing insightful education on various aspects of mental health, including healthy lifestyle, mental hygiene, stress management etc, which was provided to patients and care-givers in various OPDs and wards of the PGI.
A slogan-writing and poster-making competition on the theme was also organised for the nursing students of the institute. Enthusiastic participants creatively expressed their thoughts on mental health through thought-provoking slogans and posters. Role plays were performed, highlighting real-life workplace challenges related to mental health and how to address them.
To sensitise the community at large, “Health Melas” were organised at various “Jan Arogya Mandirs” here. People were educated on promotion of mental health via street plays and other effective audio-visual aids. A reflective journaling session was organised, encouraging participants to explore and express their thoughts and emotions constructively.
Laughter therapy sessions provided a light-hearted and fun way for attendees to de-stress and embrace the healing power of laughter.
As a part of celebration, the students wrote heartfelt wishes on balloons which were then released into the sky symbolising hope, positivity and collective commitment to foster mental health. Teachers, staff, students and others participated in the celebration.
