In a collaborative effort to raise awareness about mental health issues, the Department of Psychology in collaboration with the Department of Education and the Centre for Counselling at Martin Luther Christian University (MLCU) held a seminar on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2023 here.
The event brought together experts and educators to address critical aspects of mental health.
Under the theme ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right,’ the seminar featured speakers who provided insights on various perspectives of mental health, fostering understanding, empathy and community support.
Alcydalyne Lyngkhei, a clinical psychologist from Mawkyrwat, led a session on the importance of community support in mental health recovery and highlighted the ongoing fight against stigmatisation and discrimination faced by people with mental illness.
Lyngkhei also stressed the need for equal emphasis on mental and physical health, advocating for accessible mental healthcare services for all, especially the vulnerable underprivileged sections of the population. She underscored the importance of empathy among healthcare workers and community participation in mental health service development.
Marbanshngain Dkhar, an legal expert in human rights, delved into the legal aspects of mental health. He emphasised the need to legally protect the rights of individuals dealing with mental health challenges, citing examples of societal progress resulting from the intersection of law and mental health issues.
Sony Gill, a special educator, addressed the topic of child and adolescent mental health. She highlighted the challenges faced by young individuals, especially those with disabilities and advocated for early intervention and support. Gill introduced the concept of neurodivergent thinking, emphasising the importance of understanding emotions through innovative approaches such as the ‘Zones of Regulation’ model.
Additionally, Swapnil Pawar, Sub-Divisional Police Officer, conducted an interactive session on cybercrime, providing valuable information for digital data protection and privacy.
