The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) recently organized a one-day leadership engagement workshop and training program to address the rising mental health concerns among school and college students in Arunachal Pradesh.
The workshop, spearheaded by the Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies at Rajiv Gandhi University, brought together educators from selected schools and colleges in Itanagar Capital Region and Papum Pare districts.
Dr. Tarun Mene, the project’s principal investigator, highlighted the need for a paradigm shift in addressing mental health issues, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and education. Dr. Leeyir Ete, a project research scientist, urged educators to recognize the early warning signs of mental health distress, such as withdrawal, academic decline, and anxiety.
The training focused on equipping educators to identify mental health challenges and suicidal ideation in students. Participants were encouraged to create supportive learning environments, implement mental health policies, and collaborate with mental health professionals.
The event concluded with a call for a shared action plan to enhance mental health infrastructure in schools and colleges and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues. This initiative marks a significant step towards promoting mental well-being among Arunachal Pradesh’s youth.
