Department of Psychiatry KMC Hospital, Attavar observes ‘World Mental Health Day’
Mangaluru: Every year October 10th is celebrated as World Mental Health Day. The theme chosen this year is ”Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World”. On this occasion the Department of Psychiatry, KMC Attavar, Mangaluru organized a series of events from 6th October to 11th October to create awareness about mental health among the masses.
On 6th October a street play was performed at Forum Fiza Mall by MSc Psychology students, which conveyed the message that depression, substance use, stressors in youth are conditions that can be treated with professional help. A very important aspect which was also conveyed through the street play was that suicide is preventable. The same street play was again presented at City Centre Mall the next day, to be received well by all those present.
On 11th October a formal program took place to observe the World Mental Health Day. The program was held in Sanjeevini Hall at KMC Attavar and began with an invocation at 9:30 am. The prayer was led by MBBS students of KMC hospital. Dr Keshav Pai, Professor and Head of Department of Psychiatry, KMC Hospital Attavar, introduced all the dignitaries and welcomed everyone present. Dr.B. Unnikrishnan, Associate Dean KMC Hospital Mangalore, was the chief guest who inaugurated and presided over the entire function. He was also joined by Dr Anand Venugopal Medical Superintendent KMC Hospitals Mangalore. Dean, KMC Hospital Mangalore, Dr.M.V Prabhu provided his unstinted support to the program. Dr. Santosh Prabhu, Assistant Professor, K S Hegde Medical Academy, Derlakatte, Mangalore was the guest speaker. He delivered a talk highlighting the pertinent issues of mental illness among young people and what can be done to maintain good mental health.
A collage making competition was held for the students of Manipal Academy of Higher Education on the theme “The Role of Youth in Promoting Mental Health”. A total of 7 teams participated in this and 3 prizes were awarded to the winners. A debate competition was also organized and finals were held after the formal inaugural function. It was an interesting battle between the teams on the topic “Social Media enhances a sense of belongingness”.
The judges for the debate competition were Dr. Smitha Rasquinha from Department of Psychiatry, Father Muller’s Medical College, Mrs. Ritika Uniyal, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, Dr. Santosh Rai Department of Radiology, KMC Hospital Attavar and Dr. Santosh Prabhu. The judges for the collage making competition were Dr. Rajesh, HOD of Public Health and Dentistry, MCODS and Dr. Pushpalatha G, Clinical Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry, KMC Hospital Mangalore.
Dr. Unnikrishnan felicitated the winners of the competitions, the judges and the guest speaker Dr. Santosh Prabhu. All the faculty members of the Department of Psychiatry, KMC Hospital, Attavar, Mangalore were present through the event and extended their support. The program was concluded by Dr.Trina D’Souza, Senior Resident, Department of Psychiatry and Organizing Secretary of the events, who proposed the vote of thanks.
