The NHRC, India, hosted a one-day National Conference on “Mental Well-being: Navigating Stress from Classroom to Workplace” at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi. The event brought together policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to address the growing mental health challenges faced by students, professionals, and communities.
- Focus on Mental Health Integration:
Acting Chairperson, Smt. Vijaya Bharathi Sayani, emphasized the need to make mental health a fundamental priority in education and work environments. She highlighted the challenges posed by digital tools, social media, and a 24/7 online culture that intensifies stress. She urged organizations to cultivate a culture of empathy and support across all levels of the workforce. - Alarming Statistics and Call for Action:
NHRC Secretary General, Shri Bharat Lal, underlined the gravity of mental health issues in India, citing over 1.7 lakh suicides in 2022, with a significant number involving individuals under 30. He called for systemic changes and multi-sectoral collaboration to address these challenges, especially among youth, women, and the elderly. - Expert Sessions and Recommendations:
- Session 1: Stress Among Children and Adolescents:
Chaired by Dr. V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog, the session discussed exam anxiety, excessive technology use, bullying, and substance abuse as significant stressors. Recommendations included better mental health education and systemic support mechanisms. - Session 2: Mental Health in Higher Education:
Speakers emphasized enhancing counseling services, mental health awareness campaigns, and curriculum integration to promote well-being in institutions of higher learning. - Session 3: Stress and Burnout in Workplaces:
Experts stressed practical implementation of stress management policies and work-life balance initiatives. They urged leaders to actively enforce strategies to reduce burnout and prioritize employee mental health.
- Multi-Sectoral Collaboration:
The conference underscored the importance of collective action among educators, policymakers, healthcare professionals, and organizations to foster a mentally resilient society.
The NHRC announced plans to finalize recommendations based on the conference discussions, aiming to guide government and institutional actions to improve mental well-being across education and workplaces.
This conference marked a significant step towards addressing mental health challenges comprehensively and creating a society that values well-being alongside achievement.
