PAU organises mental health literacy workshop

A two-day workshop on “Mental Health Literacy and Psychosocial Wellbeing” was successfully organised by the All India Coordinated Research Project Women in Agriculture (AICRP-WIA) in collaboration with the Department of Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS), Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), at Government Senior Secondary School, Purain village.

The workshop aimed to enhance awareness, understanding, and positive attitude toward mental health among adolescents and to equip them with practical coping strategies for managing academic stress, peer pressure, and emotional challenges. Students from Classes IX to XII actively participated in the programme and gained valuable knowledge and life skills related to mental well-being.

The event was conducted with the kind consent and support of School Principal Neena Mittal, who appreciated the initiative and emphasised the importance of mental health education in schools for the holistic development of students.

On Day 1, Dr Prachi Bisht, Scientist, AICRP-WIA, and Dr Rashmi Upreti, Extension Scientist, Department of HDFS, delivered interactive lectures and facilitated participatory activities. The sessions covered key themes such as understanding mental health and mental illness, common emotional and behavioral concerns among adolescents, stress management and healthy coping mechanisms, building self-esteem and resilience, effective communication and help-seeking behaviour, and role of family, peers, and teachers in supporting mental well-being, she informed. Students engaged in group discussions, case studies, quizzes, and reflective exercises that encouraged open conversations around emotions and challenges faced during adolescence.

On second day, the resource person Dr Asha Chawla, Principal Scientist, HDFS, along with Dr Prachi Bisht, conducted experiential sessions focusing on mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, emotional regulation, and breaking stigma related to mental health. Activities such as breathing exercises, guided mindfulness, role plays, and myth–fact discussions helped students develop practical skills and foster positive attitudes toward seeking support. The workshop created a safe and supportive platform for students to express themselves freely and strengthened their understanding that mental health was an essential component of overall wellbeing. The initiative reflected the commitment of AICRP–WIA and the Department of HDFS toward promoting youth mental health awareness and community wellbeing through school-based interventions.

The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, where students expressed appreciation for the engaging and informative sessions and requested more such activities in the future.