FORMAL REPORT ON MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS SESSION
Title: Report on the Mental Health Awareness Session at Southfield College, Darjeeling.
Date: 28/3/2025
Venue: Damien Hall
Organized by: Sneha Rai, Anugra Tamang, Shraddha Chhettri and Pancham Pradhan.
Resource Person: Mr. Bivek Pradhan(a former Psychologist and Counsellor.
1. Introduction
This report provides a detailed account of the Mental Health Awareness Session conducted at Southfield College on 28th March,2025. The session aimed to educate students about mental health issues, promote well-being, and break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions. It was organized by the team members of the project Break The Silence in collaboration with the Southfield College and Rotaract Club of the college, and was supported by Eastern Himalayan Foundation.
2. Objectives of the Session
- The primary objectives of the session were:
- To raise awareness about mental health challenges and their impact.
- To equip students with coping mechanisms and self-care strategies.
- To encourage an open dialogue on mental well-being.
- To provide professional insights from a qualified psychologist.
3. Details of the Session
Welcome Address: The event began with a brief welcoming speech and a short introduction by Sneha Rai, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness. Followed by Introduction of the resource person by Shraddha Chhettri.
Data analysis: A short data analysis was done through a presentation by Anugra Tamang and Pancham Pradhan.
Presentation by the Resource Person: Mr. Bivek Pradhan delivered an informative talk on various mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and self-care techniques.
Discussion and Q&A: Attendees raised queries and shared personal experiences, fostering an open and supportive discussion.
Conclusion: The session ended with a vote of thanks by Kalista Pradhan expressing gratitude to the resource person and participants.
4. Participation & Engagement
The session saw an enthusiastic response, with approximately 80 students and faculty members in attendance. The interactive elements helped ensure high engagement and meaningful discussions.
5. Key Takeaways
- Awareness about mental health issues significantly increased among participants.
- Students learned practical strategies to manage stress and maintain emotional well-being.
- The session helped in normalizing conversations around mental health, encouraging students to seek help when needed.
Southfield College was founded as Loreto College, in Darjeeling in August, 1961 as a women’s college. At the request of the Government of West Bengal, the Irish Branch of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Darjeeling Loreto Educational Society agreed to take care of its management. However, due to the lack of personnel the Loreto nuns were compelled to hand over the college to the Government of West Bengal, hence to be run as Southfield College.