JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research has adopted an integrated approach to mental health promotion that combines structured education, experiential learning, peer-led engagement and campus-wide awareness activities.
The initiative brings mental health education closer to medical students through the Value-Added Course “Community Mental Health Module for MBBS Undergraduates” . It focuses on preventive and promotive aspects of mental health, recognition of risk factors and warning signs, suicide prevention, positive mental health strategies and practical Life Skills Based Education.
Classroom learning is reinforced through interactive activities, group discussions, student presentations, role play by Student Mental Health Ambassadors and Information, Education and Communication materials distributed across the campus.
The approach is designed to move beyond awareness. Students are encouraged to recognise mental health concerns, communicate appropriately, support help-seeking behaviour, challenge stigma and participate actively in creating a supportive educational environment.
Structured learning covering mental health conditions, risk factors, warning signs, suicide prevention, national mental health initiatives and experiential Life Skills Based Education.
Student Mental Health Ambassadors use role play and peer interaction to initiate conversations, challenge stigma and encourage students to seek appropriate help.
Posters, books and awareness materials in accessible formats are used across the campus and hostels to communicate evidence-based mental health messages.
The Department of Community Medicine, JSS Medical College, conducted the Value-Added Course for Phase II and Phase III MBBS students on 12 and 13 May 2026. The programme was coordinated by Dr Smitha MC.
The course introduced medical undergraduates to preventive and promotive aspects of mental health in the community while also providing experiential Life Skills Based Education that could support students in their personal and professional lives.
The programme combined lectures with discussions and activity-based learning. Students participated in exercises focusing on life skills, communication, interpersonal relationships, self-awareness, problem-solving and collaborative strategies for promoting positive mental health.
View highlights from the Community Mental Health Module, including faculty-led sessions, student participation and experiential learning activities.
Watch highlights from the Value-Added Course conducted on 12 and 13 May 2026.
Watch Course VideoStudent Mental Health Ambassadors extend the mental health conversation beyond the classroom by using peer-led role play to address situations that students can recognise and relate to.
Through enacted scenarios, the initiative encourages students to reflect on stigma, emotional distress, social and digital pressures, supportive communication and the importance of seeking appropriate professional help.
The role-play format makes complex mental health messages accessible, participatory and memorable, while strengthening students' ability to communicate with and support peers.
Watch the student role-play performance designed to initiate meaningful conversations about mental wellbeing and encourage timely help-seeking.
A peer-led initiative using performance as a medium for mental health awareness.
Watch Role PlayInformation, Education and Communication materials complement the educational and peer-led activities by extending mental health messages across the wider university environment.
Awareness books and posters were released by the leadership of JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research and used across campus, including hostel premises. Materials support conversations around mental health, challenge misconceptions and reinforce the importance of appropriate support and help-seeking.
View the Value-Added Course brochure containing the course purpose, learning objectives, teaching methods, eligibility, duration and topics covered.
View Course BrochureExplore the IEC poster developed to challenge common misconceptions and promote more informed conversations about mental health.
View Myth-Busting PosterBy combining formal education, experiential learning, peer-led initiatives and campus-wide communication, the project demonstrates a multi-dimensional approach to mental health promotion within a health-professions education environment.
