Psychological Service Center of Students’ Affairs of Daffodil International University (DIU) organized a seminar titled ‘Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World’ to mark “World Mental Health Day-2018’ today on 14 October, 2018 at 71 Milonayoton of the university. Ms. Mahjabeen Haque, Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Educational & Counselling Psychology, University of Dhaka was present at the seminar as the keynote speaker. Beside this, Professor Dr. Farhana Helal Mehtab, Associate Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Science, Mr. Syed Mizanur Rahman, Director of Students Affairs, Mr. Humaun Kabir, Director, Human Resource Development Institute, Ms. Bilkish Khanam, Psychiatrist of Psychological Service Center of Daffodil International University were also present at the seminar.
While presenting keynote paper, Ms. Mahjabeen Haque said, Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. She expressed that the expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness, she added
She said, Prevention begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and symptoms of mental illness. She urged Parents and teachers to help build life skills of children and adolescents to help them cope with everyday challenges at home and at institutions. Psychosocial support can be provided in institutions and other community settings and of course training for health workers to enable them to detect and manage mental health disorders can be put in place, improved or expanded, She added.
Ms. Mahjabeen Haque also said, we should aware on mental health. Because, sick mind never flourishes a sound health. However, awareness is gradually increasing among people and this awareness should be increased more. For this government and non-government initiative should be taken more and more. Especially, for creating awareness in rural area, we should work hard. She added and thanked Daffodil International University for arranging this kind of program.
