Youth Red Cross (YRC) Event on Creating Awareness on Mental Health
Report on Youth Red Cross Event on creating awareness on Mental Health
6th November 2024
Time: 3:30 PM
Venu:- College Auditorium
Objective
The primary objective of the event, organized by the Youth Red Cross in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC) at Besant Women’s College, was to raise awareness about mental health, specifically focusing on managing anxiety and cultivating a sense of calm among students. The session, titled "Rewire Your Mind to Dissolve Anxiety and Embrace Calm", aimed to provide practical tools and techniques for stress management, helping students to better cope with academic and personal pressures. By fostering a proactive approach to mental well-being, the college sought to create a supportive environment that encourages self-awareness and resilience.
Details of the Session
The event, held on 6th November 2024 at 3:30 PM in the College Auditorium, featured Mrs. Vidya Bhat, Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce and Business Administration, as the resource person. Mrs. Bhat delivered an engaging session designed to help students understand the root causes of anxiety and ways to address it effectively. Her talk was structured into several key components:
Understanding Anxiety
Mrs. Bhat began by explaining what anxiety is, its common triggers, and how it affects mental and physical health. She emphasized that anxiety is a natural response but can become overwhelming if not managed properly. By identifying anxiety symptoms early, students can take steps to prevent it from escalating.
Techniques to Manage Anxiety
A significant portion of her session focused on practical, evidence-based techniques to reduce anxiety. Mrs. Bhat introduced methods such as deep breathing exercises, mindfulness practices, and progressive muscle relaxation. She led the participants in a guided breathing exercise, demonstrating how a few minutes of focused breathing can calm the mind and reduce stress levels.
Rewiring Negative Thought Patterns
Mrs. Bhat discussed the importance of identifying and challenging negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. She shared strategies for re-framing anxious thoughts and encouraged students to adopt a positive mindset by focusing on constructive self-talk. This segment included interactive discussions where students shared their concerns, and Mrs. Bhat provided personalized advice on handling specific scenarios.
Building Resilience and Embracing Calm
The final part of the session emphasized building long-term resilience. Mrs. Bhat highlighted the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and adequate sleep, all of which play a role in managing stress. She also discussed the importance of social support and encouraged students to seek help when needed, either through friends, family, or counselling services.
Outcome
The session was well-received by students and faculty alike. Many participants reported feeling more informed about anxiety and equipped with practical tools to manage stress in their daily lives. Students expressed that Mrs. Bhat’s interactive approach made it easy to relate to the topics discussed, and they appreciated the guided exercises that they could apply immediately. The event successfully met its objectives, as students left with a better understanding of mental health and a toolkit of techniques to help them stay calm and focused.
The Youth Red Cross Secretaries, Sudrithi and Sana, along with the Youth Red Cross Program Officer Ms. Deekshitha T. S., played vital roles in organizing and managing the event, ensuring its smooth execution. Their collaborative efforts contributed to creating an enriching experience that reinforced the college’s dedication to student well-being and mental health awareness.
Overall, the event marked a significant step in promoting mental health literacy and resilience among students, aligning with Besant Women’s College’s commitment to holistic education and student support.
