Jalandhar-based college champions mental health awareness via creative initiatives

The Psychology Forum of Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar, marked Suicide Prevention Month with a day-long initiative that combined professional guidance and student creativity to spread awareness, instill hope, and foster resilience. The event comprised an insightful awareness workshop and a poster-making competition, both designed to engage students meaningfully in discussions surrounding mental health and suicide prevention.

The workshop was conducted by Ms. Shreya Dogra, Counselling Psychologist and Founder of Mind Clinic, Jalandhar, who addressed the theme “Hope in Hard Times: Recognize, Respond and Prevent Suicide.” Through her highly interactive and engaging session, Ms. Dogra sensitized participants from various departments to the warning signs of suicidal ideation, underlying risk factors, and preventive strategies. She also highlighted the essential role that psychologists, peers, and family members can play in guiding individuals through vulnerable phases of life.

What made the session impactful was its focus on empathy, awareness, and proactive responses. Students not only gained knowledge about the clinical aspects of suicide prevention but also developed a deeper understanding of how compassion and timely intervention can save lives. The dialogue encouraged openness, reduced stigma, and promoted a sense of responsibility among participants to support those in distress.

Adding a creative dimension to the initiative, the Psychology Forum also hosted a poster-making competition on the theme “Voices of Hope, Pathways to Healing.” The competition gave students a platform to translate their feelings and perspectives into impactful visual messages. Their artistic expressions reflected themes of resilience, healing, and optimism.

The competition results were as follows:

• First Prize – Sukhsehajpreet Singh, BA Semester III
  
• Second Prize – Palak, MA Fine Arts
  
• Third Prize – Navneet Dhillon, BA Semester III
  
• Consolation Prize – Sanchi Chauhan
  

The vibrant artworks and innovative messages shared by the students underscored the importance of creativity as a tool for advocacy and awareness-building.

Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra, in her address, commended the efforts of the Psychology Forum and highlighted the relevance of such initiatives. She remarked, “Such initiatives are vital in nurturing sensitivity, compassion, and awareness among the youth. By equipping our students with the right knowledge and instilling hope, we empower them to become pillars of support in society. The Psychology Forum deserves admiration for taking this noble step towards addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our times.”

Dr. Dhingra also lauded the consistent dedication of Ms. Niharika Mazumdar and Ms. Harpreet, faculty members of the Department of Psychology, who have been instrumental in fostering mental health awareness among students. Their commitment to shaping empathetic, responsible, and socially conscious individuals was deeply appreciated.

The observance of Suicide Prevention Month at ACFA not only brought attention to an important issue but also succeeded in creating a safe and supportive environment where students could learn, share, and express themselves. The combination of professional insights and creative engagement made the initiative both impactful and memorable, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to mental health advocacy and community well-being.