WORLD MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS WEEK 2026

Organized by:

Department of Mental Health Nursing, in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital (SDMCM&H), and NSS Unit IV.

1. Introduction

World Mental Health Awareness Week was observed from 6th October to 10th October 2026 to promote mental health awareness, enhance psychological well-being, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. A series of academic, creative, and community- based activities was organized for medical and nursing students, school students, and community members.

The programme provided a platform for students to enhance their knowledge of mental health, understand the importance of early identification of mental health problems, and recognize the significance of providing compassionate, empathetic, and supportive care to individuals experiencing psychological difficulties.

2. Objectives

1. To create awareness regarding the importance of mental health and psychological well-being.
2. To promote positive attitudes towards individuals experiencing mental health problems.
3. To reduce stigma, myths, and misconceptions associated with mental illness.
4. To encourage medical and nursing students to actively participate in mental health promotion activities.
5. To educate school students and community members about stress management, emotional well-being, and the importance of seeking professional help.
6. To develop students’ communication, teamwork, creativity, and community health education skills.
7. To emphasize the importance of early identification, prevention, and timely management of mental health problems.

3. Activities Conducted

6th October 2026 – Quiz Competition

A mental health awareness quiz competition was organized for medical and nursing students. The competition aimed to assess and enhance students’ knowledge regarding mental health, mental illnesses, psychiatric nursing, stress management, and available mental health services.

The activity encouraged active participation, healthy competition, and collaborative learning among students.

7th October 2026 – Inauguration, E-Poster Competition, and Skit

The inauguration ceremony of World Mental Health Awareness Week was conducted on 7th October 2026 in front of the Outpatient Department (OPD).

Dr. Abay Mattakar, professor, Department of Psychiatry, addressed the gathering and highlighted the importance of mental health awareness, early identification of psychological distress, and the need to eliminate stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness. He encouraged students to contribute towards creating a mentally healthy and supportive society.

An e-poster competition was organized for medical and nursing students to encourage creativity and disseminate mental health-related information through digital media. Students prepared posters focusing on mental health awareness, stress management, emotional well-being, suicide prevention, and the importance of seeking timely professional support.

Second-year GNM students of SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences presented a skit highlighting mental health issues and the importance of understanding, supporting, and caring for individuals experiencing psychological difficulties. The performance conveyed meaningful messages about empathy, acceptance, and the importance of seeking appropriate professional help.

8th October 2026 – Community Mental Health Awareness Programme

A community mental health awareness programme was conducted at Kadarigudda with the objective of extending mental health education beyond the institutional setting.

Dr. Pratheek Psychiatrist, Department of Psychiatry, and Dr. Nagesh, Professor and Head of the Department of Psychiatric Nursing, addressed the gathering. They emphasized the importance of maintaining good mental health, identifying common mental health problems, managing stress, and seeking professional assistance when required.

Mr. Tanveer, PDO, appreciated the department for organizing the programme and acknowledged the importance of community-based mental health awareness initiatives.

School students and community members participated in the programme and gained knowledge about mental health, emotional well-being, and the importance of supporting individuals facing psychological challenges.

The programme encouraged open discussions about mental health, helped address misconceptions, and highlighted the role of families, educational institutions, healthcare professionals, and the community in promoting psychological well-being.

10th October 2026 – Valedictory Programme and World Mental Health Day Observance

The valedictory programme of World Mental Health Awareness Week was conducted at Ishaavaasyam on 10th October 2026, coinciding with World Mental Health Day.

The programme commenced with an invocation song by Ms. Pooja. Mrs. Shruthi, Associate Professor, welcomed the gathering.

Dr. Sachin, HOD, Department of psychiatry delivered the keynote address, highlighting the significance of mental health awareness and the need to promote psychological well-being among students and the community.

Shri V. G. Prabhu, Finance Officer, addressed the gathering and emphasized the importance of mental health as an essential component of overall health and well-being.

Dr. Vinuta Chikkamath, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, delivered a talk on the theme of mental health and participated in a discussion emphasizing emotional well- being, early intervention, and the collective responsibility of healthcare professionals and society in promoting mental health.

Dr. Nadila Jain, Assistant Professor, Department of Psychiatry, proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, organizers, faculty members, students, and all those who contributed to the successful conduct of the programme.

Second-year GNM students of SDM Institute of Nursing Sciences presented a skit on the occasion of World Mental Health Day 2026. The performance highlighted the importance of empathy, understanding, acceptance, and timely support for individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.

The programme was attended by Heads of Departments, Heads of Institutions, university officials, faculty members, first-year B.Sc. Nursing students, and second-year GNM students

The valedictory programme provided an opportunity to reflect on the activities conducted throughout the week and reinforced the importance of continued mental health education, empathy, early intervention, and community participation.

4. Outcomes of the Programme

• Enhanced awareness among medical and nursing students regarding mental health and psychological well-being.
• Encouraged creativity, knowledge sharing, and active participation through the quiz and e-poster competitions.
• Promoted awareness of mental health issues through the skit performed by second- year GNM students.
• Improved awareness among school students and community members through the community mental health programme at Kadarigudda.
• Encouraged positive attitudes, empathy, and supportive behaviour towards individuals experiencing mental health difficulties.
• Reinforced the importance of early identification, prevention, and timely professional intervention for mental health problems.
• Strengthened the role of nursing students and healthcare professionals in promoting mental health awareness in institutional and community settings.

5. Conclusion

World Mental Health Awareness Week, conducted from 6th October to 10th October 2026, was a meaningful initiative to promote mental health awareness among students and the community. The quiz competition, e-poster competition, skit performances, community awareness programme, and valedictory function provided valuable opportunities for learning, creativity, and community engagement.

The active participation of medical and nursing students, resource persons, faculty members, school students, and community members contributed to the success of the programme. The activities reinforced the message that mental health is an essential component of overall health and well-being and that awareness, understanding, empathy, and timely professional support are crucial to building a mentally healthy society.

The programme was organized by the Department of Mental Health Nursing in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, SDMCM&H, and NSS Unit IV, reflecting a collective commitment to mental health promotion and community well-being.