On 20 April 2024, Kohima Science College in Nagaland, India, hosted a mental health counselling session for B.Sc. 4th-semester students. The event, organised by the Carl Rogers Mental Health and Research Centre, took place at the Campus Christian Fellowship (CCF) Church and aimed to raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being and provide stress management strategies for college students.
Kezhazolie Cornelius Mere, co-founder and chairman of the centre, highlighted the alarming prevalence of mental health issues worldwide, stating that approximately 90% of the global population, including in India, suffers from mental health problems but hesitates to seek professional help.
Also Read: Axone Uncovered: Traditions, Tastes and Tremendous Benefits
He discussed various types of stress, such as acute stress, behavioural stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), emphasising that Generation Z experiences the highest levels of stress compared to previous generations.
During the session, Anupam Talwar Kohli engaged students by demonstrating stress relief techniques, including breathing exercises, to help them manage their mental well-being.
The interactive nature of the event allowed students to actively participate and gain valuable insights into coping with stress and maintaining mental health.
In the Q&A segment, Mere addressed the critical issue of suicidal ideation, which until recently was considered a criminal act in India. He stressed that suicidal thoughts are a result of mental illness and require support and understanding rather than stigmatisation.
Also Read: Nagaland Police arrest notorious drug trafficker Md. Hassan Uddin
Kohli further emphasised the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues, warning against the dangers of self-diagnosis.
The counselling session at Kohima Science College created a platform to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage students to prioritise their emotional well-being.
By providing a safe space for open discussion and equipping students with practical tools to manage stress, the event took a significant step towards fostering a supportive environment for mental health awareness within the college community.
The event also highlighted the need for more mental health initiatives in educational institutions across India. With the increasing prevalence of mental health issues among young people, it is crucial to provide them with the necessary resources and support to cope with the challenges they face.
Also Read: James Pochury Advocates for Nagas at UN Forum
By organising such counselling sessions, colleges and universities can play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness and helping students build resilience.
Moreover, the counselling session at Kohima Science College emphasised the importance of seeking professional help for mental health issues. Many people, especially in India, often hesitate to seek help due to the stigma associated with mental illness.
However, events like this can help break down these barriers and encourage individuals to reach out for support when needed.
Also Read: Muthingkhong GPS Sanitation Crisis Exposed by Polling Officer
The mental health counselling session organised by the Carl Rogers Mental Health and Research Centre at Kohima Science College was a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness among college students.
By providing a platform for open discussion, demonstrating stress management techniques, and addressing critical issues like suicidal ideation, the event contributed to creating a more supportive and understanding environment for mental health.
