Dhaka University on Saturday observed World Mental Health Day through various programmes jointly organised by the university鈥檚 Students Counselling and Guidance Office and the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology.
Dhaka University pro-vice chancellor (Administration) professor Sayema Haque Bidisha, in the routine duties of the Vice-Chancellor, inaugurated the daylong programmes as chief guest at an event held on the Teacher-Student Centre premises.
This year鈥檚 theme for the day was 鈥楳ental health in an unequal world: Mental health care in times of crisis and emergencies鈥�.
The inaugural session was presided over by director of the Students Counselling and Guidance Office professor Mahjabeen Haque, while chairman of the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology Md Azharul Islam delivered the vote of thanks.
Addressing the event, professor Sayema Haque Bidisha said that people often give more importance to physical illness while neglecting mental health or feeling uncomfortable sharing mental concerns with others, which should not be the case.
She emphasised the need to raise public awareness about mental health protection, saying that in today鈥檚 competitive society, people of all ages, especially the youth, are under immense psychological pressure.
Later, she visited several stalls set up at the TSC premises to mark the occasion.
The daylong programmes included free counselling services, psychological assessments, interactive games, exhibitions and sales of books on mental health, workshops, and other awareness-raising activities.
