The Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal, along with the students conducted a series of events on account of observing World Mental Health Day 2023 on 9th and 10th Oct 2023, under the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”. The celebration aimed to bring awareness, inspire and voice out the importance and significance of mental health and mental illness for all. It highlights the need for mental health and mental illness advocacy, as the World Health Organization set to achieve the global objective “Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030”. It comes under SDG 3, Good Health and Wellbeing.

A radio talk on ‘Awareness of Mental Health and Mental Illness’ was broadcast at 8:30 pm in English and Kannada version on 9th and 10th Oct 2023 at 8:30 pm at Akashvani, Mangaluru by Ms. Sanju Pant, Lecturer, and Ms. Asha K Nayak, Assistant Professor, Sr-Scale, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, MCON Manipal.

As part of creating awareness among the public on the day and theme a ‘Memory walk’ was organised on 9th Oct 2023. Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose, Associate Dean and HoD, Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing highlighted the significance of observing World Mental Health Day. She flagged off the memory walk. The faculty, research scholars and students from 2nd year MSc(N) speciality, II Year PBBSc (N) and 3rd year BSc(N) participated in the programme.

On 10th Oct 2023, morning various competitions were conducted for the inmates of the psychiatry ward, Kasturba Hospital, Manipal by the MSc(N) and PBBSc(N) students. After that, a formal programme was organised in the ward. Dr. Tessy Treesa Jose welcomed the gathering. Dr. Ravindra Munoli, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC Manipal was the chief guest for the programme. Dr Ravindra highlighted in his speech that “Mental health” is a responsibility of everyone. Everyone should take preventive measures before the occurrence of the disease. He also emphasized following the fundamental human right to daily living. Prizes for the winners were distributed during the programme.

The programme was concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Asha K Nayak, Assistant Professor, Sr-Scale, Dept of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, MCON, Manipal. The master of the ceremony was Ms. Deekshitha, II PBBSc(N) student.

The overall programme was coordinated by Ms. Sanju Pant, Lecturer, and Ms. Asha K Nayak, Assistant Professor, Sr-Scale, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, MCON Manipal.