By: Wani Arfat
Pampore, Oct 16: Emphasising the importance of mental health awareness and the need to challenge social stigma, Ramzaan College of Nursing and Paramedical Sciences, Galander, Pampore, organised a special programme to mark World Mental Health Day, highlighting the importance of understanding, compassion and timely professional care for people experiencing mental health conditions.
Held under the leadership of Dr Batula Rashid, the programme featured student performances, educational presentations and creative activities designed to communicate important mental health messages and encourage a more informed and supportive approach towards mental well-being.
The programme began with a welcome address by Beenish and was anchored by Akeel Nabi. The activities included a video presentation on the lived experiences of celebrities, a play depicting schizophrenia, poster presentations and a rangoli activity.
A video prepared by Basharat Amin highlighted the lived experiences of celebrities and drew attention to the personal challenges associated with mental health. The presentation encouraged students to look beyond stereotypes and approach people experiencing mental health difficulties with greater understanding and sensitivity.
The main attraction was a play on schizophrenia, moderated by Tajamul Islam. Through different characters and situations, the students portrayed how limited awareness about mental illness can lead to fear, confusion and misunderstanding within families. The performance also highlighted how symptoms of mental illness may sometimes be attributed to supernatural causes because of prevailing misconceptions, potentially delaying appropriate medical care.
Faizan Javaid played the father, Shabnum Showkat portrayed the mother, and Shoaib Reyaz played the son. Aanif Majeed and Aabid Sheikh portrayed a peer and a friend, respectively, while Ishrat Sultan played the doctor and Zuha portrayed the nurse.
Shoaib Reyaz delivered a convincing performance as the son, portraying the emotional challenges experienced by a person facing mental health difficulties. His performance highlighted how misunderstanding and a lack of support can increase the distress experienced by individuals and their families.
The play emphasised the importance of recognising concerning changes in behaviour, seeking professional assessment and ensuring timely intervention. It encouraged families to rely on appropriate medical guidance rather than myths or misconceptions that may prevent individuals from receiving the care they need.
The performance conveyed a clear message: mental illness is a health concern that requires understanding, professional care and support rather than judgement or shame. It also highlighted the role of families and healthcare professionals in supporting recovery and protecting the dignity of those experiencing mental health difficulties.
Poster presentations by Fazila Nabi, Farheena Fida and Naazirah communicated mental health messages through visual displays, while a rangoli activity prepared by Uzma Farooq, Insha Muzaffar and Sayana Yousuf added a creative dimension to the programme.
Addressing the gathering, Principal Prof. Jamsheeda Zaroo highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and the need to challenge stigma through education and sustained public engagement. She appreciated the participants for their performances, creativity and active involvement in the observance.
A vote of thanks was delivered by Aqib Sir, who acknowledged the contributions of the participants and others involved in organising the programme.
The observance also highlighted the responsibility of nursing students, as future healthcare professionals, to promote health education, guide families towards appropriate care and treat every patient with dignity and compassion. It reinforced the importance of listening to patients, understanding their experiences and providing support without discrimination.
Reflecting the theme, “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change,” the programme underscored the need to listen to people experiencing mental health conditions and recognise their experiences as an essential part of building a more informed, supportive and inclusive society.
The programme concluded with a message that awareness can challenge stigma, understanding can encourage people to seek help, and compassion can make it easier for individuals to reach out for professional support without fear or shame.
