30/04/2026
A session on 'Promoting Positive Mental Health, Resilience, and Well-being' was held at Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University's Chauras Campus, wherein students demonstrated remarkable energy and openness, rendering the workshop truly special. The discussion was highly interactive, featuring active participation, thoughtful reflections, and a genuine willingness to explore mental health beyond theoretical frameworks. Key highlights included the distinction between mere absence of illness and mental health, encompassing coping, adapting, and growing through life's challenges, as well as common struggles faced by young individuals, such as stress, anxiety, and self-doubt. The session featured live demonstrations of simple yet effective techniques, including a guided 4-4-6 breathing exercise, the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, and practical thinking patterns to manage negative thoughts. Furthermore, William Glasser's Choice Theory was explored to illustrate how behaviors are driven by needs for belonging, achievement, freedom, fun, and basic security. The attentive listening, curiosity, and honest engagement of students were notable, underscoring the importance of creating safe spaces for dialogue to normalize mental health conversations and encourage help-seeking behavior. Appreciation is extended to the organizing team, faculty, and students for their participation and warmth.
