Events

13 Sep 2007|Noida | Amity University Campus, Sector-125, Noida

Third National Mental Health Conference inaugurated at Amity University

Mental distress is the most harmful factor in the lives of today’s youth. It is to be realized that training in the area of Mental Health can give students the knowledge and skills to overcome challenges and leverage opportunities in today's stressful environment. India needs young blood for goal of becoming a Superpower and retrieve its yet-not-forgotten title-The Golden Bird, which would be possible only when the leaders would be the masters of a healthy mind.

Taking an initiative in this field, Amity Institute of Behavioral Health and Allied Sciences (AIBHAS), in collaboration with UNICEF organized the 3rd National Mental Health Conference on “The Emerging Trends in Mental Health of Children and Adolescents”. The Conference was aimed at training teachers as well as students how to deal with mental distress, the fundamentals about mental health, its elements and manifestation mainly emphasizing the lives of youth and adolescents.

The prestigious three day conference was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Dr. R. N. Salhan- Addl. D.G, Health Services, Ministry of Health. While addressing the gathering, Dr. Salhan said, “Mental illness is one of the biggest global problems. Every sixth child today is suffering from mental disorders such as stress, depression, tension, etc. Everything is being done in this respect but its all in papers. There is a need for implementing our on-paper plans to uplift the status of mental health of our children so that India can have proud citizens. This Conference is surely a step ahead in this regards.”

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Augustine Veliath, National Communication Officer, UNICEF shared his memorable experiences in his service towards children and threw light over the plight of child labour in India. He commented, “Child labour is not a new word to all of us. There is a need for creating an environment for child protection.Through this conference the energy of the youth will be channelised in developing and producing the best citizens for our country and it will help the students to work for their mental fitness and simultaneously grooming their personality.”

Prof. (Dr.) S. D Sharma- Emeritus Professor, Indian Institute of Behavioral Health and Allied Sciences and Ms. V. Veeraraghavan, Director, AIBHAS were also present to bless the students. Prof. Sharma appreciated the efforts of AIBHAS and UNICEF for joining hands together and setting an example for other institutions by organizing such a successful and interactive session. He said, “The most important stage in a child’s entire life which forms the base of his or her personality is infancy. Such conferences organized for the children and adolescents prove helpful in many ways, including improvement in mental well-being; learning to extend themselves; learning and refining self-skills; learning to fight against the fierce competition in future and to win with grace.” Dr. V. Veeraraghavan welcomed all the participants and promised the conference to be very helpful in their future.

Equipped with latest knowledge in the field of mental health and enhanced teaching skills, various professionals shared their views and imparted the novel techniques to teachers as to help the students to fight against mental unrest. The sessions held in the Conference included sensitive issues such as “Protecting environment for children- UNICEF perspectives”, “ Therapies for children “, “ Learning disability and it’s ratifications”, “ Perception of quality of parenting and mental health programme in fostercare residential homes”, “ Children with personality disorder” and “ Managing stress through positive thinking” and paper presentations.