Mass Awareness and Monitoring Mental Health Act 2017: Annual Report 2024

Under the aegis of the Psychological Counselling and Drug De-addiction Committees, the year 2024 marked significant strides in mental health awareness and compliance with the Mental Health Act 2017. Below is summary of key initiatives:

1. Empower Her: A Day for Mental Wellness

Date:27-May-2024
In collaboration with the District Early Intervention Centre, Government Medical College Srinagar, this initiative focused on women’s mental health and psychological first aid. Key sessions included:

• Seminar on Women’s Mental Health: Experts Prof. Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad (Prof. Medicine) and Dr. Sayid Karaar (DM Psychiatry) highlighted mental health challenges and gender-specific stressors.
• Workshop on Psychological First Aid: Led by Dr. Zahoor (Asst. Prof. Clinical Psychology) and social workers, participants received hands-on training in crisis intervention.

2. International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking

Date:27-Jun-2024
Organized by the Anti-Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Committee, this event promoted legal awareness and rehabilitation strategies. Sessions led by Dr. Mudasir Hassan Pandith (Asst. Prof. Clinical Psychology) and Dr. Rafia emphasized substance abuse psychology and clinical interventions. Interactive activities, including group discussions and a poster competition, reinforced anti-drug advocacy.

3. World Mental Health Day 2024: Compliance and Awareness Campaigns

Dates:Oct,2024
In alignment with the theme “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in Workplaces,” this multi-day event highlighted institutional mental health rights and obligations:

• Psychiatric Screening & Consultation (14-Oct): Dr. Altaf Ahmad Malla (Asst. Prof. Psychiatry) provided free psychiatric assessments to over 60 students and staff.
• Workshop on Workplace Mental Health (15-Oct): Mental health experts from Government Medical College Srinagar conducted training on stress management. A survey indicated 30% of participants had mild to moderate suicidal ideation, reinforcing the urgency of intervention.
• Expert Talk (17-Oct): Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Bhat (A.P Clinical Psychology) delivered a session on "Prioritizing Mental Health in Higher Education Institutions" with a focus on Mental Health Act 2017 provisions.
• Psychiatric Consultation (17-Oct): Dr. Altaf Ahmad Malla conducted individualized assessments, ensuring legal compliance in mental health service provision.

4. Positive Mental Health: Building Resilience & Psychiatric Consultation

Date:07-Nov-2024
A session led by Dr. Sabreena Qadri (Consultant Psychiatrist, Paras Hospital Srinagar) emphasized resilience-building strategies, followed by free psychiatric consultations.

5. One-Day Seminar on PCOD/PCOS and Mental Health

Date:03-Dec-2024
In collaboration with Paras Hospital, this event explored the psychological and lifestyle impacts of PCOD/PCOS. Dr. Komal Rathore (Senior Clinical Dietician) highlighted behavioral health management strategies.

Conclusion
The 2024 initiatives successfully promoted mental health awareness, facilitated access to psychiatric care, and reinforced the legal obligations of higher education institutions under the Mental Health Act 2017. Moving forward, the committees aim to enhance policy advocacy and expand outreach programs to ensure sustained mental well-being within the college community.