A state-level workshop and development programme on mental health was held this morning at the conference hall of the Integrated Directorate of Health, Bhubaneswar. The event was jointly organized by Basic Needs India (Bangalore) and the Health Department.
Minister of Health & Family Welfare, Parliamentary Affairs, Electronics and IT, Dr. Mukesh Mahaling attended as the Chief Guest. Addressing the gathering, he emphasized that prolonged mental stress can lead to mental illness. To manage it effectively, one must cultivate positive thinking even during stressful periods, he said.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness on the importance of mental health, address mental disorders, and offer strategies to manage the mental stress experienced by children. Detailed discussions were held on these subjects.
Participants from districts like Balangir, Bargarh, Angul, Subarnapur, and Kandhamal who had successfully overcome mental health challenges shared their personal experiences. They discussed how they transitioned from negative to positive thinking and adopted ways to relieve mental stress.
Among those present were Dr. Jitendra Mohan Bebortha, Principal Secretary; retired IAS officer Bratati Harichandan; Director of Public Health Dr. Neelakantha Mishra; and Director of Health Services Dr. Amarendra Nath Mohanty.
