Srinagar, Oct 12 (KNS) :In connection with World Mental Health Day observed globally on October 10, the Department of Psychiatry, Advanced Centre for Mental Health & Addiction Medicine, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, conducted a week-long series of awareness and educational programs from October 4 to 10, 2025, under the theme “Access to Services: Mental Health in Emergencies and Catastrophes.”
The observance aimed to highlight mental health challenges arising from man-made and natural disasters, especially in the context of ongoing global and regional crises.

The week commenced on October 4 with an awareness program at Government Degree College Kulgam, organized in collaboration with the Group of Concerned Citizens (GCC) headed by former Advisor to the Governor of J&K, Jenab Khurshid Ahmad Ganai (IAS), and supported by the District Administration Kulgam, led by Jenab Athar Amir Khan (IAS), Deputy Commissioner Kulgam, and the Chief Medical Officer Kulgam.
On behalf of SKIMS Bemina, Dr Himayun Majeed (Consultant Psychiatrist), Dr Sameer Khan (Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Social Work), and Ms Kousar Siddiq (Lead Counsellor, Addiction Treatment Facility) conducted interactive sessions with students, focusing on mental health awareness and coping strategies.

On October 5, a one-hour podcast featuring Prof. Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry and Sub-Dean of SKIMS Medical College, was streamed on one of Kashmir’s most-viewed social media platforms.
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On October 6, Prof. Abdul Majid appeared as an invited guest on a Doordarshan Live Show, where he discussed mental health during emergencies and the need for accessible services.
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On October 7, a special session titled “Healing the Healers” was conducted for MBBS students at SKIMS Medical College, aimed at promoting positive coping mechanisms and stress management among future healthcare professionals.

On October 8, a major Awareness Programme-cum-Workshop titled “Strengthening the Pillars of Our Future” was organised for teachers and counsellors in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK).
The event brought together educators, psychologists, and counsellors from across the Kashmir Division for interactive sessions with mental health experts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Fazalul Qadir Parray, Principal, SKIMS Medical College, emphasised the crucial role of teachers as first responders in identifying and addressing mental health issues among students.
In his keynote address, Prof. Abdul Majid highlighted the significance of early detection, timely referral, and community participation in promoting mental well-being during emergencies and disasters. Dr Farhana Ahad, Head of the Department of Physiology, also addressed the gathering.

Technical sessions were led by Dr Nizam Ud Din (Assistant Professor, Psychiatry), who discussed behavioural issues among children and adolescents, while Dr Farhana Rafiq and Dr Muntaqeem (Senior Residents) elaborated on conditions such as ADHD, Autism, and other childhood psychiatric disorders.
Expert insights were also shared by Dr Masood Maqbool (Associate Professor, Clinical Psychology), Ms Rafia, Ms Nighat, Ms Gousia (Clinical Psychologists), and Dr Mir Masood (Resident Psychiatrist).

On October 9 and 10, awareness sessions were held with 93.7 RedFM, Radio Kashmir Srinagar, and Government Degree College Delina Baramulla, featuring Dr Abdul Majid, Dr Nizam Ud Din, and Ms Rafia Rashid as speakers.

The week concluded on October 10 with a focused session on Psychological First Aid for nurses and paramedical staff, led by Dr. Nizam Ud Din and supported by an expert panel including Dr. Masood Maqbool, Dr. Gulzar Muzaffar, Dr. Farhana, Dr. Mehroosh, Ms. Nuzhat (Assistant Professor, Nursing), and Mr. Mohd Sameer Khan (Assistant Professor, Psychiatric Social Work).

Adding to the significance of the week, Prof. Abdul Majid delivered a guest lecture on “Experience of Being a Mental Health Professional in an Armed Conflict Zone” during the 56th Annual Conference of the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS) West Zone, held in Maharashtra, which coincided with the global observance of World Mental Health Day.

The week-long celebration successfully underscored the importance of collective efforts in promoting mental well-being, breaking the stigma, and bridging the gap between awareness and access to care.(KNS)