Mysuru: “Mental health is very important for the overall health of a human being and positive thinking is an important aspect of mental health,” said Professor Dr. E. Aravind Raj, Additional Professor, Department of Psychiatric Social Work at National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru.

He was speaking at the inaugural function of the week-long Mental Health Awareness Campaign for schools and college across Mysuru, Hassan and Kodagu districts, organised by Sapient College, Mysuru and Mind and Matter, organised in association with Community Mental Health Unit, Department of Psychiatric Social Work, NIMHANS, Bengaluru, at Sapient College premises on KRS Road in Metagalli, Mysuru, on Sunday.

Pointing out that many have not understood the concept of mental health correctly, Dr. Aravind said that we commonly speak about physical health topics when it comes to health, but there is no perfect health without mental health.

“Just because one does not have mental illness, he or she cannot assume to have good mental health. The mental health of many without any diagnosable mental disorder is also not very good. If such a person is subjected to medical examination and counselling, it will be known,” he added.

Stating that it is very important to know about mental health, he said, “Mental health includes several aspects and one of the aspects is how much we realise our potential. Similarly, coping with daily stress positively is a mental aspect and engaging in any activity with enthusiasm is mental health,” he explained.

Speaking about the awareness campaign in his inaugural address, Mind and Matter Co-ordinator B. Vagish said that the awareness campaign on mental health in schools and colleges began in August 2022 and now, the awareness campaign is being held in collaboration with NIMHANS which will   go on till Nov. 16.

Journalist Rashmi Koti, Sapient College Director Yeshmik Ponnappa Daljeet, Sapient College Dean Dr. Sujatha Bopanna, Mind and Matter Founder Deepika Appaiah and others were present during the event.