St. Agnes College Holds Men’s Mental Health Awareness Seminar
Mangalore, June 21, 2024: The Post Graduate Department of Clinical Psychology at St. Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru, organized a seminar on Men’s Mental Health Awareness at Kadri Police Station.
Held on June 21, this event aimed to highlight the significance of mental health among men, especially those in high-stress professions like law enforcement.
The seminar focused on raising awareness about mental health issues faced by men, providing practical stress management techniques to police personnel, and fostering open dialogue about mental health within the police force.
About 20 police officers, ranging from junior constables to senior officers, attended the seminar. The event was also attended by resource person Dr. Yashwanth MH, PG Coordinator Sr Dr. Vinora AC, Associate Professor of the Department of Clinical Psychology Mrs. Ashwini KA, and first and second-year MSc Clinical Psychology students.
Dr. Yashwanth MH opened the seminar with an overview of common mental health issues among men, such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He emphasized the stigma associated with seeking help and the importance of overcoming these barriers. Dr. Yashwanth also discussed how the unique stressors of police work, including exposure to violence, irregular hours, and high responsibility, can impact mental health. Real-life examples and case studies were used to illustrate these points.
An interactive Q&A session followed, allowing attendees to ask questions and share their experiences. This session provided a platform for open discussion and peer support, reinforcing the seminar’s message of collective mental well-being.
The second half of the seminar focused on practical stress management techniques, including the 4-7-8 breathing technique, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and guided imagery.
Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive. Many officers expressed their gratitude for the seminar and mentioned that the stress management techniques would be useful in their daily lives. The seminar successfully created a supportive environment and emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and self-care.
