World Mental Health Day has been observed every year on 10th of October. It is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy. Mental health & well- being are fundamental to our collective & individual abilities as humans. “There is no health without mental health.” Like any other physical illness it requires equal care & attention. Still Stigma and discrimination continue to affect many people who experience mental health issues. As part of the month long celebration and by keeping in mind this year’s theme “ Psychological and Mental Health first aid to all” and Centre for Studies in Behavioural Science (Applied psychology), Dibrugarh University have observed 26th October, 2016 as Mental Health Awareness Day. The main aim was to remove stigma & promote mental well – being by trying to create awareness about these concerns amongst the community. The students of the CSBS (Applied Psychology), Dibrugarh University, engaged in various activities to promote and create awareness about mental well being.
A mental health awareness rally was organized from Naliapool to Thanachariali by the faculties & students of the centre where the majority of the educational institutions of Dibrugarh are located. Pamphlets on anxiety management, stress management, sleep hygiene etc were distributed by the students among all the schools, colleges and offices that came under that area. The students also took out the rally in the university premises and distributed the pamphlets among all the Departments and Centres. Posters on a variety of mental health concerns starting from childhood to old age were put on display in the centre to raise awareness on these issues among the university community. The day concluded with a Quiz competition in the centre among the students based on the theme of “Mental Health Awareness” which was a success by active participation from the students.