Department of Psychiatry | World Mental Health Day 2026
Theme: “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”
Introduction
The Department of Psychiatry, JIMS Homoeopathic Medical College and Hospital, organised Day 4 of Manodarpan 2.0 as part of the observance of World Mental Health Day 2026. Based on the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” the programme brought together undergraduate students, postgraduate scholars, faculty members, psychiatrists and psychologists for wellness activities, academic presentations and scientific discussions. The day focused on promoting mental well-being, encouraging research and strengthening awareness of contemporary approaches to mental health care.
Morning Session: Prayer, Yoga and Theme Address
The morning session commenced with a prayer song rendered by Sai Kalyani, a second-year student, creating a serene and positive atmosphere. This was followed by a yoga session conducted by Dr. Srihari, Dr. Prathima Kumari and Dr. B. Mehta Gayatri. The session highlighted the importance of yoga, relaxation and mindfulness in managing everyday stress and promoting emotional balance and psychological well-being.
Subsequently, Dr. C. Shreenath Rao addressed the gathering and elaborated on the significance of the theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” He emphasised the importance of listening to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, understanding their personal experiences and addressing the stigma associated with mental illness. He also highlighted the need to incorporate patients’ perspectives into mental health care to promote compassionate, inclusive and meaningful improvements in psychiatric practice.
Dissertation Presentations by Postgraduate Scholars
The morning session continued with dissertation presentations by postgraduate scholars from the 2023–2024 batch of the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Dhivyanathan, Dr. Sushrutha Guda, Dr. Ramya Sree K. and Dr. Jyothi Naik presented their respective research work, providing an academic platform to share their findings and perspectives on topics relevant to psychiatric practice and mental health care.
The presentations encouraged research-oriented learning, critical thinking and academic interaction among postgraduate scholars and faculty members. The session also highlighted the importance of research in enhancing clinical understanding and contributing to the advancement of psychiatric knowledge.
Faculty Presentations
Following the postgraduate presentations, faculty members of the Department of Psychiatry, Dr. B. Vanaja Kumari, Dr. Vaddiboyina Sravani and Dr. Sudipti Singh, delivered academic presentations. Their contributions facilitated knowledge sharing and encouraged meaningful discussions on psychiatric concepts and their relevance to clinical practice.
The session provided an opportunity for students and postgraduate scholars to gain insights from faculty expertise while strengthening their understanding of mental health assessment, research and patient care.
Prize Distribution Ceremony
The morning session concluded with a prize distribution ceremony recognising the winners and runners-up of the competitions and activities conducted during the preceding three days of Manodarpan 2.0. The ceremony acknowledged the participants’ enthusiasm, creativity and active involvement in promoting mental health awareness. The recognition served as an encouragement for students to continue participating in educational and awareness initiatives related to psychological well-being.
Afternoon Scientific Session
The afternoon scientific session commenced at 2:30 PM and featured a series of expert lectures delivered by consultant psychiatrists and psychologists from Asha Jyothi Rehabilitation Centre. The sessions covered a wide range of psychiatric conditions, diagnostic perspectives, therapeutic approaches and contemporary developments in mental health care.
Dr. Athira spoke on Anxiety Spectrum Disorders, discussing the clinical understanding of anxiety-related conditions. Dr. Sairam presented Normality and Mental Health, exploring the concepts of psychological well-being and mental health. Dr. Vainika discussed the Biopsychosocial Model for Schizophrenia, highlighting the interplay of biological, psychological and social factors in understanding the disorder.
Continuing the scientific programme, Dr. Swetha delivered a presentation on Bipolar Disorder and Suicide, addressing important aspects of mood disorders and suicide-related concerns. Dr. Sowjanya discussed Non-Pharmacological Management of Schizophrenia and Neuromodulation, focusing on therapeutic approaches beyond conventional pharmacological treatment. Dr. Laxman Sudheer presented on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, highlighting mental health concerns affecting younger populations and the importance of appropriate psychiatric care during developmental stages.
The session also included a joint presentation by Dr. Laxmi Prasanna and Dr. Vivek on Addictions in Psychiatry and Behavioural Addictions, examining substance-related and behavioural patterns of addiction. Dr. Malathi concluded the series of expert presentations with Integrative Psychiatry Practice and Statistics, highlighting the relevance of an integrative perspective and statistical understanding in psychiatric practice.
Collectively, the scientific sessions provided valuable insights into the assessment and management of psychiatric conditions. They encouraged evidence-informed clinical thinking and highlighted the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in delivering comprehensive and patient-centred mental health care.
Mental Health Quiz
Following the scientific presentations, Karunya conducted an engaging mental health quiz for the participants. The activity reinforced key concepts discussed during the sessions and encouraged students to test their knowledge of psychiatric conditions, mental health awareness and therapeutic approaches. The quiz added an interactive learning component to the programme and promoted active participation among the attendees.
Memento Distribution
At the conclusion of the scientific session, mementos were presented to Dr. Rama Krishna, Dr. Jagannath and Dr. Dileep as tokens of appreciation for their valuable contributions and support towards the programme. The gesture acknowledged their involvement and contribution to the successful conduct of the academic activities.
Integrative Approach: Census-Related Activity
Towards the end of the programme, Dr. Kontham Divya presented a census-related activity incorporating an integrative approach. The activity added another dimension to the day’s academic discussions and highlighted the relevance of integrating different perspectives in understanding mental health and supporting comprehensive approaches to psychiatric care.
Conclusion
Day 4 of Manodarpan 2.0 concluded with a comprehensive programme comprising wellness activities, postgraduate dissertation presentations, faculty lectures, a prize distribution ceremony and expert-led scientific sessions. The combination of academic learning, interactive activities and professional knowledge sharing provided a valuable platform for students, postgraduate scholars, faculty members and mental health professionals to exchange ideas and strengthen their understanding of psychiatric care.
The programme reinforced the importance of listening to lived experiences, promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma and adopting a compassionate, holistic and evidence-informed approach to mental health care. The activities reflected the Department of Psychiatry’s continued commitment to advancing mental health education, research and collaborative clinical practice in observance of World Mental Health Day 2026.
