MADURAI
Students of Thiagarajar College were given an insight into the world of mental health and the stigma associated with it at a one-day workshop here on Tuesday.
The inaugural session saw Sujatha Malini, Head, Department of Psychology, Alagappa University, addressing the students in areas, including stress, negative thoughts and digitisation.
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“Mental health usually refers to the compatibility between the body and mind. If we think happy thoughts, there will be more elasticity in the body. Stress, on the other hand, can lead to a restriction in muscle movement,” she said.
In a bid to curtail negative thought, one must keep their brain active at all times, she said. She added that ill physical health can be cured if the mind is strong. The professor said students needed to trust their instincts, be independent and take initiatives to do new things. She also said students must work towards creating an identity for themselves and then integrate themselves in society.
“Interest, initiative and industry are the three ingredients necessary for success,” she said.
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Uma Kannan, vice-president, Thiagarajar College, said that the stigma surrounding mental health will reduce with more open discussion. She said that mental health problems such as anxiety, social phobia, depression and bipolar disorder are on the rise because people rarely pay heed to their mental health.
She stressed on the need to detach self from gadgets as they often create social disconnect. “Take a holistic approach to life, improve self esteem and find a stress outlet,” she said.
Principal D. Pandiaraja narrated personal anecdotes and said that timely treatment was necessary in helping those with mental health issues.