Media Release

Mangaluru, Oct 17: A day-long workshop on ‘Mental Health and Wellbeing’ was jointly organized by the department of Post Graduate Study and Research in Social Work, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri and by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell along with Department of Social Work of the D P D Pai-P S Pai, Government First Grade College, Mangalore on Wednesday October 25. The workshop was conducted for the PG students of D P D Pai-P S Pai, Government First Grade College.

The dignitaries included Inaugurator of the workshop Dr Paul G Aquinas, professor and Chairman, Department of Post Graduate Study and Research in Social Work, Mangalore University, Mangalagangothri. The workshop was presided over by Prof Rajashekar Hebbar C, principal, D P D Pai-P S Pai GFGC. The resource person of the work shop Maria Fernandes, research scholar, MSW Department, Mangalore University, The other dignitaries present on the dais were, Prof Sheshappa K, MSW co-ordinator, Dr Shivaram P, academic adviser, and Ashwini, lecturer, Department of Social Work.

The workshop began with an invocation of the divine by PG students. The gathering was welcomed by Prof. Rajashekar Hebbar C, Principal, D D P D Pai-P S Pai GFGC followed by lighting of the lamp. In his presidential address he pointed out the increased mental health problems among youth and stressed the need for the preventive interventions for positive mental health.

The sessions were conducted by Dr Paul G Aquinas, professor and chairman, MSW Department, Mangalore University and Ms. Maria Fernandes, Research Scholar, MSW Department, Mangalore University. In his session Dr Paul G Aquinas addressed the gathering wherein he spoke on Students must be empowered to be involved in their own mental health, the only way forward is through enhancing mental health awareness which will generate its own demand. With rising awareness, it can be expected that early recognition and access to treatment will follow, as will the adoption of preventive measures.

The resource person Maria Fernandes had an interactive session with student were students participated in dealing with various illustrated cases related to mental health. She also explained the various signs and symptoms of depression, its impact on an individual and the ways of coping with depression.

The workshop wrapped up with a hope of positive mental health among youth. The workshop culminated with vote of thanks by Mohitha.