Srinagar: In view of the rising mental health challenges and growing drug addiction in Jammu and Kashmir, the Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS Medical College & Hospital, Bemina organised awareness and training programmes aimed at early identification and prevention.
In collaboration with District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Beerwah, a one-day Mental Health Awareness Programme for school teachers was held on January 21. The programme focused on recognising emotional, behavioural and psychological issues among school-going children and equipping teachers with stress-management strategies. More than 60 teachers from different schools participated in the programme, which included interactive discussions and question-answer sessions.
Resource persons from SKIMS Bemina highlighted the role of teachers in early intervention and timely referral of students showing warning signs of mental health issues.
Meanwhile, as part of a Government of Jammu and Kashmir initiative, the department also conducted a three-day training programme titled “Grass Roots Initiative and Community Training on Rehabilitation Module” from January 20 to 22 at the Advanced Centre for Mental Health & Addiction Medicine, SKIMS Bemina. The training focused on creating awareness about the increasing trend of drug addiction in the region and the need for early screening and referral of affected individuals.
Senior faculty members stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among health, education and administrative departments to make the “Nasha Mukt Abhiyan” a success and to safeguard the well-being of children, adolescents and the community at large.(JKNS)
