Mental health has increasingly become a pressing concern, particularly among the youth. In response to the growing need for awareness and early intervention, the Student’s Wing, in collaboration with the Red Ribbon Club of Sikkim Government College (SGC), Namchi, organized a comprehensive Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Program at the college auditorium. The event aimed to educate, sensitize, and empower students to prioritize mental well-being and seek timely help when required.
Objective of the Program:
The primary goal of the program was to raise awareness among students about mental health, break the stigma associated with mental illness, promote suicide prevention strategies, and provide information on accessible mental health resources.
Participation:
The event saw an overwhelming response, with a total of 593 students and 20 faculty members in attendance. This enthusiastic participation reflected the growing concern and willingness among students and educators to address issues surrounding mental health.
Chief Guest and Resource Person:
The event was honored by the presence of Dr. Tsephel Eden Bhutia, Psychiatrist and District Nodal Officer of the Mental Health Program. Dr. Bhutia delivered an insightful keynote address and conducted an engaging session on mental health and suicide prevention. Dr. Bhutia’s talk was followed by a short talk by Miss Pema Choden Bhutia, district head of The Birds and the Bees’ Talk Organization where she highlighted about the Dr. Xpert App which is a chat app where the open conversation on mental health and other issues that youth of today face can be conversed about.
Highlights of Dr. Tsephel Eden Bhutia’s Session:
- Dr. Bhutia spoke about the importance of mental health as a key component of overall well-being.
- She discussed common psychological issues faced by students, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
- The session addressed early warning signs of suicidal ideation, and the importance of timely intervention.
- Emphasis was placed on creating supportive environments, both at home and in educational institutions.
- Students were educated on the availability of mental health resources and encouraged to seek professional help without hesitation.
Dr. Bhutia’s session was deeply impactful and well-received by the audience, sparking meaningful discussions and reflection among the students.
Entertainment and Cultural Segment: To create a balanced and engaging experience, the program also featured a variety of entertainment segments, including dance performances, musical acts, and spoken word poetry by the students of SGC Namchi. These performances not only added vibrancy to the event but also carried messages of hope, resilience, and emotional expression.
Student and Faculty Engagement:
Following the expert session, an interactive Q&A round was conducted, where students asked thoughtful questions and shared personal experiences. Faculty members also expressed their appreciation for the initiative and stressed the importance of continuous mental health education within the curriculum.
Feedback and Impact: The program was widely appreciated by all attendees. Many students expressed that the session helped them understand mental health in a new light and made them more aware of how to support themselves and others. Faculty members praised the initiative for being both informative and emotionally enriching.
Conclusion:
The Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Program at SGC Namchi was a resounding success. It served as a crucial step toward normalizing mental health conversations in educational spaces and empowering young minds with knowledge, compassion, and resources. The combination of expert knowledge and cultural expression made the event holistic, impactful, and memorable.
The program concluded with the felicitation and distribution of token of appreciation to the speakers and certificates to the participants.
The Student’s Wing and Red Ribbon Club extend heartfelt thanks to Dr. Tsephel Eden Bhutia for her valuable time and insights, and to all students and faculty for their active participation and support. The event reaffirmed the collective commitment of the institution toward fostering a healthy, supportive, and inclusive campus environment.