The 10th of October is observed as World Mental Health Day all around the world.  The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness on mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of better mental health. Although mental health is everyone’s concern and it is just as important as good physical health, many people do not feel comfortable talking about their feelings. It is very natural to feel down or stressed or frightened at times in life. Most of the time those feelings pass. But sometimes they develop into a more serious problem. At the same time as everyone is different, some people may bounce back from a setback while someone else may feel weighed down by it for a long time. Due to a stigma attached to mental health problems many people do not talk about them. But it is healthy to know and say how they are feeling, and the difficulties they are facing in coping with it. Being mentally healthy does not just mean not having a mental health problem. It also means making the most of the potential, coping with life, playing a full part in the family, workplace, community and among friends. The National Institute of Mental Health (2019) reported that nearly 17% of adults in Bangladesh are suffering from mental health issues, and among them 92.3% do not seek medical attention.

Therefore, we need to understand the issue, take preventive measures, promote psychological wellbeing, implement effective and evidence-based interventions to ensure good mental health. We are working to eliminate social stigma or taboo for seeking treatment for mental issues by organizing various programs and activities.

The Students Counselling and Guidance Office (SCGO) has been addressing mental health issues since its inception. On the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2021, the Students Counselling and Guidance Office, along with Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology, and Department of Psychology are going to arrange different activities: Rally at TSC premise at 10 am, daylong online assessment and counselling service, and a webinar for students and faculty members of DU on 10 October, Sunday at 8pm.

You may join by using the following link

--> Join BdREN Zoom Meeting from Laptop or Mobile:
https://bdren.zoom.us/j/67330987338?pwd=SG82eHlhaUdsaWFUVER3Zk5UeERZUT09

Meeting ID: 673 3098 7338
Password: 262344

Time: Oct 10, 2021 08:00 PM Astana, Dhaka

 

Topic: Mental Health in an Unequal World: Bangladesh Context

Discussants:

Professor Dr Mahjabeen Haque, Director, Students Counselling and Guidance Office (SCGO), Dhaka University

Professor Dr Mohammad Mahmudur Rahman, Department of Clinical Psychology, Dhaka University

Zinnatul Borak, Chairman, Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology, Dhaka University

Ms Mahmuda, Mental Health Specialist, International Medical Corps. Afghanistan mission