Jahangirnagar: Jahangirnagar University Central Students' Union (JUCSU) today organised a seminar titled "Let's Make Mental Wellness a Priority," marking World Mental Health Day, highlighting the significance of mental well-being among students. The seminar was held at 11:30 am at the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, featuring a keynote discussion on "Caring for the Mind: Balancing Academic and Personal Life".
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the session hosted Dr Mustakim Faruqi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychiatry, Ibn Sina Medical College Hospital, and Dr Jebun Nahar, Assistant Professor at the Department of Child, Adolescent and Family Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health, as keynote speakers. Dr Jebun Nahar, addressing the seminar, stressed the need to prioritise mental well-being. She noted the importance of setting personal priorities to protect mental health and acknowledged that while medications might have side effects, their benefits often outweigh the negatives.
Dr Nahar urged those experiencing suicidal thoughts or extreme loneliness to seek immediate help by contacting the national emergency helpline 999 or the health hotline 16263. She mentioned organisations like Moner Bondhu, Kaan Pete Roi, and Anchol as key mental health support platforms available for assistance.
Dr Mustakim Faruqi discussed the consequences of self-doubt and negligence, emphasizing that small mistakes caused by self-doubt can escalate into larger problems. He advised students to identify their life goals and priorities to maintain a balanced mental state.
The programme was moderated by JUCSU General Secretary Mazharul Islam, with Vice President Abdur Rashid Zitu, Executive Member Nabila Binte Harun, and other student representatives in attendance.