Mental Health Support for Student at JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER)

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Counselling Skills and Soft Skills Training Workshop (16th - 18th January 2024)


Objective:

The workshop aimed to equip students of M.Sc. Clinical Psychology with essential counseling skills in preparation for their participation in the JSS MAN Tele-health Counselling Initiative. It focused on enhancing their competencies in providing mental health support through tele-health platforms.

Details:

  • Conducted by: Asmita Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Psychology
  • Attended by: 44 students from the M.Sc. Clinical Psychology program
  • Location: Telemedicine Room, 5th Floor, JSS Hospital

  1. Day 1 and Day 2:Training focused on developing micro-skills of counseling, such as:
    • Opening a session
    • Building rapport
    • Reflecting and paraphrasing
    • Demonstrating empathy

  2. Day 3: Focused on suicide prevention strategies and the identification of suicide risks, which is essential for the tele-health counseling process.

Outcome: The students found the workshop highly informative, with valuable practical insights that prepared them for real-world counseling through tele-health channels. They also addressed queries regarding the practical challenges faced in tele-counseling, which were answered by the facilitator.

National CME on Trends in Psychiatry Practices and Services (2nd December 2023)


Objective:

This event aimed to provide a platform for professionals and students to engage with the latest trends in psychiatry and mental health practices. It also focused on fostering networking and knowledge exchange in the field of mental health.

Details:

  1. Hosted by: JSS Medical College and Hospital, Mysore, in collaboration with the Indian Psychiatric Society's PG and UG Education Subcommittee
  2. Inaugural Speakers:
    • Professor Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS
    • Dr. Surinder Singh, Vice Chancellor, JSS AHER
    • Dr. C P Madhu, Medical Superintendent, JSS Hospital
    • Dr. Kiran Kumar, President, JSS Alumni Psychiatry Department
    • Dr. Kishor, Professor and Head, Department of Psychiatry

  3. Topics Covered:
    • Women’s mental health
    • Child and adolescent psychiatry
    • Psychotherapy
    • Community mental health
    • Psychosexual medicine

  4. Panel Discussions: Six interactive panels discussed critical areas of psychiatry.

Key Initiatives

  • Launch of JSS Psychiatry Department’s Social Media Handles: The launch of social media platforms for the Department of Psychiatry and the MINDS Club was a major highlight. This initiative provides a digital space for disseminating mental health information and fostering a supportive online community.
  • MINDS Club Inauguration: The MINDS Club, a student-led initiative, was inaugurated during the event. The club focuses on supporting students' mental health and organizing activities to promote well-being.

Outcome: The event successfully brought together professionals, faculty, and students to discuss emerging trends in psychiatry. The creation of digital platforms for mental health communication and the establishment of the MINDS Club showed the institution’s ongoing commitment to student well-being. The CME was attended by approximately 100 participants, with active engagement in the various sessions.

Social Media Handles for Mental Health Awareness


Objective:

To provide students with continuous access to mental health resources, tips, and support, the institution launched dedicated social media handles for the Department of Psychiatry and the MINDS Club.

Details:

  • The social media handles serve as a platform to disseminate information related to mental health, upcoming events, and resources for students.
  • The handles are designed to promote awareness about mental health issues, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek help when needed.

Outcome:

The launch of these platforms enabled the department to reach a broader audience, especially students, with crucial mental health resources. This initiative highlights the institution’s proactive approach in utilizing digital platforms to ensure ongoing support for students.

MINDS Club – Student-Led Mental Health Initiative


Objective:

To create a peer-support network that focuses on student mental health and promotes mental well-being through various activities, events, and awareness campaigns.

Details:

  • Launched: December 2023, during the National CME on Trends in Psychiatry Practices and Services
  • Key Activities:
    • Organizing mental health awareness campaigns
    • Peer-to-peer counseling and support
    • Hosting workshops, seminars, and guest talks on mental health topics
    • Promoting initiatives to reduce stigma associated with mental health issues

Outcome:

The MINDS Club provides students with a peer support system, fostering a sense of community and well-being among students. It also serves as a platform for students to discuss mental health concerns and receive guidance in a safe and supportive environment.

Conclusion


JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research (JSS AHER) has consistently provided a comprehensive approach to supporting the mental health of its students. The institution offers targeted training through workshops like the Counseling Skills and Soft Skills Training, facilitates professional engagement through events like the National CME on Psychiatry Practices and Services, and encourages peer-led initiatives such as the MINDS Club. Additionally, the launch of digital platforms ensures that students have constant access to mental health resources and support. Together, these activities illustrate JSS AHER’s commitment to fostering a mentally healthy environment for its students.