Mental Health Is as Important as Physical Health: Government Dental College Holds Awareness Programme

Dr R. K. Dubey, coordinator of the World Mental Health Day awareness programme at Government Dental College, Raipur, addresses undergraduate and postgraduate students on mental wellbeing, academic stress and healthy lifestyle practices on Monday, October 12, 2026.Photo:primelookindia.com via CG/DPR

Students were encouraged to recognise the importance of emotional wellbeing and develop habits that could help them manage stress throughout their professional lives.

Dr R. K. Dubey Emphasises Mental Wellbeing Among Future Doctors

Addressing the students, programme coordinator Dr R. K. Dubey highlighted the considerable academic and professional pressures associated with medical and dental education.

He observed that healthcare students frequently face demanding study schedules and expectations that require sustained concentration, discipline and emotional resilience.

Dr Dubey emphasised that maintaining physical fitness alone was insufficient for overall wellbeing. Equal attention must be given to mental and emotional health.

He encouraged students to develop a healthy approach to academic challenges rather than allowing stress to adversely affect their personal lives and professional development.

Medical Professionals Must Also Care for Their Own Mental Health

The programme drew attention to an important aspect of healthcare education: those preparing to care for patients must also learn to care for themselves.

Students were sensitised to the importance of recognising psychological pressures and seeking appropriate support whenever necessary.

Dr Dubey encouraged future doctors to develop a positive attitude towards mental health and contribute to removing misconceptions and social stigma associated with psychological difficulties.

The discussion highlighted that awareness among healthcare professionals could help create a more understanding and supportive environment for patients and society.

Yoga, Meditation and Communication Highlighted

During the awareness session, students received guidance on practical measures for maintaining mental wellbeing.

Experts encouraged them to incorporate yoga, meditation and healthy communication into their daily routines.

The discussion also addressed the value of balancing academic responsibilities with adequate rest, personal interests and supportive relationships.

Students were encouraged to communicate openly about their concerns rather than allowing stress to accumulate without seeking assistance.

These practices were presented as supportive approaches to wellbeing, alongside the importance of obtaining professional help when mental health difficulties require it.

UG and PG Students Participate in Interactive Discussion

Undergraduate and postgraduate students participated actively in the programme, showing interest in the challenges and practical aspects of maintaining mental wellbeing.

The interactive discussion provided an opportunity for students to explore issues related to academic expectations, career uncertainty and the emotional demands of healthcare education.

Their participation reflected the importance of creating spaces within educational institutions where mental health can be discussed openly and responsibly.

Building Awareness Beyond the Classroom

World Mental Health Day, observed globally on October 10, provides an opportunity to strengthen public understanding of mental health and encourage supportive attitudes towards people experiencing psychological difficulties.

The awareness programme at Government Dental College reflected the institution’s effort to incorporate mental health education into the broader development of future healthcare professionals.

By encouraging students to prioritise their own wellbeing and approach mental health concerns with sensitivity, the initiative sought to reinforce the importance of compassionate and responsible healthcare practice.

The programme also underlined the role of educational institutions in preparing professionals who recognise that effective healthcare involves both physical and psychological wellbeing.