Every year, World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10, to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. As stated by the Institute of Health Metrics and Evaluation, in 2020, the number of people living with anxiety and depressive disorders rose significantly because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The theme for World Mental Health Day 2022 is “Making Mental Health and Well-Being for All a Global Priority”. This comes as the world continues to battle the COVID-19 pandemic and face its fallouts, the impact on mental health is one of them.

The Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal along with postgraduate students conducted a series of events about World Mental Health Day on October 2022. Various activities were organized at the Psychiatric ward of Kasutrba Hospital, Manipal on October 10, 2022. The program started with conducting games for the inmates. A formal program was conducted by welcoming the resource persons and the audience by Ms. Sumalatha, the 2nd Year MSc psychiatric nursing specialty student. Dr. Samir Kumar Praharaj, HoD, and Dr. Rajesh Krishna Bhandary, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal were the resource persons for the program. They addressed the patients and caregivers and explained the significance of observing world mental health day, and the importance of mental health. In their speech, they emphasized early recognition of mental illness and the important role of people in society in reducing the stigma related to mental illness. Mrs. Chitra Kamath, Deputy Nursing Superintendent, and Mrs. Cecilia, Assistant Nursing superintendent graced the occasion. Undergraduate and postgraduate students of Manipal College of Nursing Manipal conducted games for patients and prizes were distributed to the winners. The program was concluded with a vote of thanks and the distribution of sweets.

The Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing Manipal in collaboration with the Rotary Club, Manipal Town have organized a World Mental Health day program on October 10, 2022, between 6-8 pm at Interact building, KMC, MAHE Manipal. The program was started with a welcome address by Rtn. Nithyananda Nayak, President, Rotary Club, Manipal Town. The theme of World Mental Health day, 2022 is “Make mental health and well-being for all a global priority” was introduced by Dr. Binil V, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatric (Mental Health) Nursing, Manipal College of Nursing, MAHE, Manipal. The program was followed with a skit performed by B.Sc. Nursing students (3rd Year). The chief guest and the speaker for the event was Dr. Anil Kumar MN, Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry, KMC, Manipal. He addressed the audience with his excellent speech on creating awareness in public regarding various mental illnesses, their causes, management, and tips to instill positive mental health. The speech was well appreciated by the audience. A total of 50 people have witnessed the program. Mrs. Savitha Prabhu, Assistant Professor, and coordinator of the program delivered the vote of thanks.