World Mental Health Day (10 October) is celebrated annually by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) for promoting mental health education and to generate awareness among people about mental health. Joining the global celebration with this year’s theme, 'mental health for all', the students of grade 11and 12 of Bhavans Indian Education School who study Psychology as part of their curriculum observed the day by partaking in a plethora of virtual activities from October 8, 2020 to October 12, 2020.
The maiden World Mental Health Day at IES coordinated by Ms. Anju Jacob, the School Counselor, comprised a series of programmes. Laura Ann Philip of 11C in her presentation titled ‘Mental Health Matters’ highlighted that health is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, but not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. She also emphasized that mental health is an important aspect of man’s existence. A good number of students brought out their creative expressions gauging their awareness of mental health by participating in a poster-making competition. They designed posters that displayed a myriad of concepts such as stress and depression in the youth and the social stigma attached to mental health in the form of quotations, paintings and sketches, followed by the presentations on their respective posters. Some of the students expressed their understanding of the concept ‘mental health’ and its influence in the form of catchy slogans giving due emphasis on mental health and its impact on millions of people especially the children suffering from anxiety, fear, isolation, and emotional distress. Sona James of 11C and Jerome Thomas of 11D delivered inspiring and thought-provoking speeches on the stigma related to mental health and the possibilities of having a sound mind that enhances the overall well-being of an individual. A quiz pertaining to mental health and well-being was held by Arjun Raj of 11C and Ananya Sriram of 11D. The active participation of the students made the week-long celebration a phenomenal success.