Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 24: The YI Health Vertical, Mangaluru, in collaboration with the department of psychology, St Agnes College, organized a round table discussion on 'Mental health: Break the stigma' and 'Peer pressure: Say no to substance abuse' on Saturday, September 20.
The programme began with the inaugural and the dignitaries present were academic advisor Clement D’Souza, event coordinator Dr Hithakshi B, Salome Lobo-YI chair Mangalore chapter, Sharan Shetty-YI co-chair Mangalore chapter and Dr Megha Gokul-YI health chair.
Dr Megha Gokul delivered the welcome address; Dr Clement D’Souza gave the opening remarks stating the importance of Mental Health for the overall wellbeing of the individual. Salome Lobo oriented about the projects, initiatives and activities conducted by the Young Indians (Yi) Mangalore chapter.
Then the session brought together distinguished panelists Dr Sharanya, department of psychiatry, KMC Mangaluru, Dr Nayanatara A K, department of physiology, KMC Mangaluru, Ashwini K A, department of clinical psychology, St Agnes Centre for Post Graduate Studies and Research. Dr Draupathy, MD student, KMC Mangaluru and the moderator was Dr Megha Gokul-YI health chair who addressed some of the most pressing issues faced by today’s youth. They highlighted common misconceptions surrounding mental health, emphasizing that stigma is not only borne by individuals but also by their families and communities. The discussion shed light on how mental health is deeply connected with physiological functions of the brain and body, and why hesitation still exists in approaching psychiatrists for help.
Panelists also elaborated on the role of counselling in empowering students. They explained how counselling equips young people with strategies to confidently say 'NO' to peer pressure, while still maintaining their place within a peer group. The dialogue underscored how the need to 'fit in' often shapes youth perspectives, and how normalizing conversations around mental health and peer challenges can lead to healthier coping mechanisms.
Another key focus of the session was the impact of social media and lack of sleep on young minds. Panelists emphasized how constant exposure to curated lifestyles online creates a cycle of comparison, stress, and pressure to keep up with what others are doing. Sleep deprivation, in turn, was explained to affect not only physical well-being but also the way one thinks, perceives, and responds to stress.
The event was highly interactive and insightful, leaving participants with practical takeaways on building resilience and spreading awareness. The programme successfully engaged students making it a meaningful and impactful initiative and this event was compared by Thanmayee K Bhatt of III BA.