The Department of Psychology of Mar Elias College, Kottappady, organised a series of programmes in connection with World Mental Health Day 2025. The activities were conducted on 10 October 2025 and 14 October 2025, with the aim of promoting mental health awareness, emotional well-being, and practical psychological skills among students and staff.
The first day of the observance included two major activities. The day began with a film screening on mental health themes, followed by a JPMR (Jacobson’s Progressive Muscle Relaxation) session. These programmes were coordinated by faculty members Ms. Gadha K. Jayan and Ms. Anugraha Nair, with the support of student coordinators from the Department of Psychology. NSS volunteers and Psychology Club members participated actively, engaging with the themes of emotional regulation and stress reduction highlighted through the film and relaxation exercises.
Later on the same day, a mindfulness session was conducted for all faculty members of the college. This session was jointly organised by the Department of Psychology and the Health Club. Ms. Gadha K. Jayan and Ms. Anugraha Nair guided the faculty through mindfulness practices that focused on grounding, breathwork, and heightened awareness. The session was well received and provided the staff with a reflective space to explore mental well-being in their professional and personal contexts.
The second day featured a major workshop titled “Managing Stress and Anxiety: Transformation of One’s Own Life,” organised in association with Mindleo Psychology Retreat Clinic. The programme was inaugurated in the presence of Principal Dr. Joseph T. Moolayil and Manager Mr. Sunil Joseph, whose participation added significance to the event. Students from the 1st and 2nd year Psychology batches, as well as members of the wider college community, attended the session.
The workshop was led by experts from Mindleo. Ms. Theertha Ravi, Consultant Psychologist and Art Therapist, opened with an introductory class on art therapy, helping students understand the therapeutic potential of creative expression. This was followed by an awareness session and family constellation activities conducted by Ms. Shamshi Mubarak, Chief Consultant Psychologist and Academic Director, who guided the participants through exercises exploring relational dynamics and emotional patterns within the family system. The programme concluded with a mindfulness session led by Mr. Bristo Sibi, Consultant Psychologist and Academic Coordinator, who introduced techniques for fostering calmness, self-awareness, and resilience.
The workshop provided an enriching learning experience for the participants, offering a combination of expert insights and experiential learning activities that deepened their understanding of mental health and personal transformation.
The World Mental Health Day programmes organised by the Department of Psychology were successful in promoting awareness, encouraging reflection, and equipping participants with practical tools to support their mental well-being. Through engaging activities, expert-led sessions, and active student involvement, the initiatives contributed significantly to fostering a mentally healthy and supportive campus environment.
