MENTAL HEALTH DAY PROGRAMME

Introduction

In observance of World Mental Health Day 2026, Jeevani – Centre for Well-Being, in collaboration with the National Service Scheme (NSS), organised a three-day mental health awareness programme at Sree Neelakanta Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi, from 7 to 9 October 2026. The programme aimed to promote mental health awareness among students, encourage open conversations about emotional well-being, reduce stigma associated with mental health difficulties, and emphasise the importance of seeking help when needed.

The programme was organised under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”, highlighting the importance of listening to individuals’ experiences and creating a supportive and inclusive campus environment.

Day 1 – Mind Lab and Mental Health Exhibition

Date: 7 October 2026 | Time: 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

The first day featured a Mind Lab and mental health exhibition designed to engage students through interactive activities, creative expression, and self-reflection. The activities encouraged participants to explore their thoughts, emotions, stressors, and ways of maintaining mental well-being.

Major attractions and interactive stations included:

• Stress Meter Activity: Helped students reflect on their daily stress levels and sources of tension.
• Thought Detective Station: Guided participants in identifying and examining unhelpful thought patterns.
• Help-Seeking Station: Interactive station focusing on recognising when and how to seek professional or peer assistance.
• Creative Expression Corner: Included poetry writing, letter-writing to one’s future self, drawing, and art expression.
• Media Corner: Featured a screen corner, photography, and reel displays showcasing student entries from the mental health art competitions.

The first day successfully created an engaging environment in which mental health could be explored in an accessible, interactive, and student-friendly manner.

Day 2 – Beyond “I’m Fine”: An Open Conversation on Mental Health

Date: 8 October 2026 | Time: 11:00 a.m.

The second day featured an open discussion titled “Beyond ‘I’m Fine’ – An Open Conversation on Mental Health.” The session focused on encouraging students to move beyond the habit of concealing emotional difficulties and to recognise the importance of acknowledging and communicating their feelings.

The discussion explored common sources of stress among college students, including:

• Academic & Career Pressures: Examinations, academic expectations, and career uncertainty.
• Personal & Social Factors: Family expectations, relationship difficulties, friendship issues, and social media influences.
• Physical & Emotional Factors: Sleep disturbances, financial concerns, and self-imposed pressure.

Practical coping strategies and well-being practices highlighted during the session included:

• Rest & Recovery: Prioritising adequate rest and quality sleep.
• Time Management & Activity: Practising effective time management, engaging in physical activity, and relaxation techniques.
• Social Connection: Communicating with trusted individuals and building strong social support networks.
• Professional Support: Accessing professional psychological help when necessary.

The programme emphasised that experiencing emotional difficulties is a normal part of life and that asking for help is a sign of self-awareness rather than weakness, fostering a more supportive college community.

Day 3 – Mental Health Awareness Flash Mob and Prize Distribution

Date: 9 October 2026 | Time: 12:30 p.m.

The third day featured a mental health awareness flash mob organised to communicate the importance of empathy, emotional support, and help-seeking through a creative performance.

The flash mob portrayed a student experiencing emotional distress and the supportive response of peers who noticed the difficulties and offered comfort. The performance conveyed the message that individuals should not have to face their struggles alone and that even small acts of understanding can make a profound difference.

The central message, “It’s Okay to Ask for Help,” reinforced the importance of recognising emotional distress, supporting peers without judgment, and encouraging appropriate assistance.

The concluding session included the distribution of prizes and certificates of appreciation to winners and participants of the poetry, reels, photography, letter-writing, and art competitions.

Outcomes of the Programme

The three-day programme provided students with rich opportunities to engage with mental health topics through interactive activities, discussions, and creative performances. Key outcomes included:

• Awareness: Increased awareness of mental health and emotional well-being across the student community.
• Stress Recognition: Greater recognition of common academic and personal stressors experienced by college students.
• Open Dialogue: Encouragement of open, honest, and non-judgmental conversations about mental health.
• Coping & Help-Seeking: Promotion of healthy coping strategies and appropriate help-seeking pathways.
• Peer Empathy: Strong emphasis on empathy, peer support, and listening to individual lived experiences.
• Creativity: Active student participation in creative expressions of mental health awareness.
• Campus Culture: Reinforcement of the importance of creating a supportive, inclusive, and stigma-free college environment.

Conclusion

The three-day Mental Health Day programme organised by Jeevani – Centre for Well-Being, in collaboration with NSS, provided an impactful platform for promoting mental health awareness and fostering meaningful engagement among students. Through the Mind Lab, exhibition, open discussions, creative competitions, and awareness flash mob, the programme highlighted that mental health deserves attention, understanding, and care, and that seeking help is a vital step towards well-being.

Organised by:
Jeevani – Centre for Well-Being, in collaboration with NSS
Sree Neelakanta Government Sanskrit College, Pattambi