𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐥𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐎𝐛𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐊𝐚𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐥 𝐂𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐬, 𝐔𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐋𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐤𝐡

The Department of Environmental Science and the NSS Unit at Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh, organized a special lecture on World Mental Health Day, 10th October 2024. Dr. Joseph Daniel from the Health Centre, Kargil Campus, was the keynote speaker, and the event saw the participation of around forty attendees, including teaching and non￾teaching staff, NSS volunteers, and students. The program aimed to raise awareness about mental health in the workplace and emphasize its importance. The event was skillfully anchored by Ms. Spalzes Angmo, and M.Sc.Environmental Science student and NSS volunteer.World Mental Health Day is observed annually to bring global attention to mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental well-being. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes the importance of valuing, promoting, and protecting mental health, as good mental health is essential for coping with life’s challenges, building connections, and thriving. This year's theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” underscores the need to focus on mental well-being in professional environments. The session began with a warm welcome extended to the keynote speaker, Dr. Joseph Daniel, by Dr. Sonam Angmo, Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Science, Kargil Campus. Dr. Daniel’s lecture, titled “Mental Health in the Workplace,” highlighted common workplace stressors such as heavy workloads, long hours, tight deadlines, job insecurity, poor work-life balance, and lack of management support. He also provided insights into recognizing signs of poor mental health among employees. The lecture was followed by an interactive Q&A session where participants, including faculty members and students, actively engaged in discussions on stress, depression, addiction, and coping strategies. The NSS volunteers shared their personal challenges, including anxiety, career concerns, employment uncertainties, and academic stress. Dr. Daniel responded thoughtfully to each query, providing valuable advice and support. In his address, Dr. Daniel used the analogy of a pressure cooker to describe workplace stress, emphasizing that if stress and pressure are not addressed, it could lead to negative consequences not only for the individual but for the entire team. He emphasized that everyone has the right to the highest standard of mental health, which includes protection from mental health risks, access to quality care, and the right to liberty. He also advised the NSS volunteers and students on the importance of maintaining good mental health, cautioning that neglecting it could result in absenteeism, reduced job satisfaction, negative physical health impacts, and decreased Media and Publicity cell Kargil campus university of ladakh productivity. He shared strategies for managing workplace pressure, including open communication, sensitivity towards colleagues, wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and fostering a compassionate and supportive work environment. The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Sonam Angmo, Assistant Professor and NSS Co-Program Officer, Kargil Campus, University of Ladakh. She encouraged faculty members and students to visit the health center at the end of every month, where Dr. Kunzes, a clinical psychologist, would be available for consultations and discussions regarding any mental health related issues.