Patna: Academic pressure, anxiety and emotional distress often go unspoken among students, but managing stress and seeking help without fear of judgment can make a crucial difference, mental health experts said at a World Mental Health Day programme at Magadh Mahila College (MMC) on Saturday.Around 110 students attended the lecture series organised by the college’s department of psychology and psychological society in collaboration with the Bihar Volunteer Health Association and Rainbow Homes. The programme was held under the global theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.Psychologist Raju Sharma said stress management, self-awareness, emotional regulation and problem-solving should be treated as essential life skills. He said mindfulness, effective communication and healthy boundaries could help students cope with academic pressure and changing relationships while reducing anxiety and burnout.Md Anwarul Haque, senior manager of the Rainbow Homes Programme, highlighted the importance of empathy, active listening and community support in making mental healthcare more accessible. He said listening to people with lived experiences of mental health challenges was vital to helping vulnerable individuals feel heard and encouraging them to seek professional help.The programme also featured a poster exhibition on suicide prevention, highlighting warning signs and available support resources. Students who had performed well in earlier Suicide Prevention Day competitions were felicitated.The event began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by college principal Prof N P Verma, head of the psychology department Dr Namrata and assistant professor Nidhi Singh.Faculty members Priyamvada, Ranjana Kumari, Kavita Kumari, Archana Kumari, Sonali Kumari and Archana Bharti were also present.
