The Department of Psychiatry celebrated World Schizophrenia Day on May 24th, 2023, with the theme "Towards Awareness and Acceptance." Various programs were conducted to promote understanding and acceptance of schizophrenia. The event included the display of health awareness improvement posters created by nursing students. Dr. Harshal Sathe, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and Mr. Mahanta Vaidya, the psychologist in the department, were present during the occasion.
A skit providing valuable insights into the risk factors, early identification methods, treatment modalities, and preventive measures for mental illnesses, particularly schizophrenia was performed by nursing students, utilizing posters, charts, and other visual aids to emphasize the theme. Additionally, an interactive session was held with the relatives of mentally ill individuals, where doubts and queries were addressed.
Furthermore, the Department of Psychiatry also celebrated World No Tobacco Day on May 31st, 2023, under the theme "Grow Food, Not Tobacco." Various programs were organized, attended by patients admitted to the Psychiatry department, their relatives, as well as interns, General Nursing, and BSc students posted in the department. Nursing students contributed to the event by creating posters on health awareness, specifically highlighting the theme.
Dr. Sally John, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, and Rajni Mishra, Assistant Matron, delivered speeches focusing on the theme and emphasizing the importance of saying no to tobacco. The event featured an engaging skit performed by nursing students, utilizing posters, charts, and visual aids to educate about the risk factors, ill effects, and consequences of tobacco use, as well as strategies for overcoming addiction. The program concluded with a vote of thanks expressed by one of the nursing students.
These initiatives by the Department of Psychiatry aimed to raise awareness, promote acceptance, and educate individuals about schizophrenia and the harmful effects of tobacco use, aligning with the broader goal of improving mental health and well-being.