World Mental Health Day: Psynergy
Oct 10, 2024
The Department of Clinical Psychology, in collaboration with the psychology club, Cogniverse, organized a two-day event called 'Psynergy' with the theme 'It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace' to commemorate World Mental Health Day. The event aimed to raise awareness about mental health challenges in professional settings and foster a culture of support and well-being in the workplace.
The first day focused on public engagement through creative performances. The event was inaugurated by the Vice Principal, Dr. Beena HB, alongside the HoD, Dr. Deepa Rasquinha, and the conveners, Mrs. Jennifer and Ms. Mahima Shetty, along with faculty members from the Department of Clinical Psychology. Following the formal inauguration, participants showcased a series of performances including a flash mob, to grab the attention of the audience, a music jamming session to uplift the atmosphere, and an impactful drama skit that highlighted the mental health struggles faced by corporate employees. The drama was thought provoking and immersive. The performances were designed to creatively raise awareness about the importance of workplace mental health.
To extend the reach of the initiative, the performances were taken beyond the university and staged at Fiza by Nexus Mall, Mangalore, where the general public had the opportunity to witness and engage with the event, thereby, spreading mental health awareness in a community setting.
The second day of the program featured interactive booths and workshops. Different batches set up booths with stress-relief strategies specific to workplace environments, but each with their own unique elements. Activities included DIY stress balls, bubble wrap popping, journaling, and gratitude exercises and many others, all aimed at providing practical stress- relief techniques and an opportunity to dwell in self-reflection. These hands-on activities created a fun and engaging way for students and attendees to explore various aspects of mental health.
Additionally, a specialized workshop titled 'Mindfluence' was conducted for both teaching and non-teaching staff, focusing on mental health awareness in the workplace. The workshop emphasized the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and recognizing early signs of stress or burnout.
To encourage broader student engagement, various competitions were held, such as 'Fractured Focus' (photography), 'Let's Face It' (face painting), 'Reel-y Good' (reel making), and 'Pixels of Positivity' (e-poster making). Students actively participated in the said competitions and were able to highlight the importance of mental health across all art forms.
Overall, 'Psynergy' successfully highlighted the importance of mental health in the workplace, creating an informative and supportive community by engaging students, faculty, and the public
