Is a “Listening Room” crucial?

Marking the Suicide Prevention Day, the Psychology Forum of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar has recently opened a new Counselling Cell called “The Listening Room”. The idea behind this new initiative is to provide a platform to the students where they can share their innermost feelings/emotions in a safe, comfortable and judgment free environment. Moreover, the aim is to make students aware and conscious of their feelings.

Alongside the opening ceremony of the Cell, the Psychology Forum also hosted a one day workshop on ‘Importance of Mental Health of Students for Leading a Well Balanced Life’. The resource person for the session was Ms. Aarti Singh, RCI ( Rehabilitation Council of India) licensed Clinical Psychologist at  Ashoka Hospital, Jalandhar. 

Interacting with the students, Ms. Aarti Singh said that there are times when a person feels low and does not feel like doing anything or even interacting with anyone. She asserted, “This is the hour when one should definitely find their confidante and share what’s happening inside them. In some situations, if this does not feel enough, then one should not hesitate or delay seeking professional help and certainly see the psychologist.”

She further highlighted dealing with the turmoil inside is certainly important and it should not be suppressed for there can be dire consequences of it later like severe anxiety or depression.

Ms. Singh also introduced the students to ‘Cognitive Behaviour Therapy’ and ‘Psychotherapy’ and said, “Being students of Psychology, it is our duty to not only take care of our mental health but also contribute in improving the mental health of the people around us by making them aware of the importance of this subject.”

Lastly, Dr. Neerja Dhingra, Principal of ACFA, expressed her gratitude and views with the students. The day concluded on a renewed and positive note.