RGNUL- Mental Health Initiative (MHI)
The Mental Health Care Act 2017 was passed on 17th April 2017 and came into force on 7th July 2018. The law was described in its opening paragraphs as “An act to provide for mental health care and services for persons with mental health illness and to protect, promote and fulfill the right of such persons during delivery of mental healthcare and services and for matters therewith or incidental thereto”.
Data by WHO shows 15- 29 years of the vulnerable population develop mental health conditions, which extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.
With the heavy burden of mental issues in the community, and the absolute inadequacy of mental healthcare and awareness to deal with it, RGNUL has developed a counselling centre for every member of RGNUL. RGNUL strives to cultivate a caring community in which students and staff members are encouraged to work on their mental health; thus, the RGNUL-Mental Health Initiative focuses on the core components that contribute to mental health. As a result, the mental health curriculum has been introduced with an objective:
-
To raise awareness about the mental health continuum, reduce the stigma associated with mental illness, and promote help-seeking behaviors and emotional well-being practices.
-
Prevent suicide through individual education and outreach events.
-
To identify specific needs of student’s academic, personal, adjustment related problems and provide counseling.
-
To help in developing self-awareness and sensitivity, a feeling of equality, compassion, and oneness.
-
To help students build the strength of character, ethics, and values.
-
One-on-one counseling students and providing confidence to improve their quality of life.
The mental health initiative will focus on the core components of psychological well-being which are mentioned below:
-
Psychological first-aid
-
Self- awareness
-
Setting goals
-
Self- management
-
Drug Awareness
-
Interpersonal relations
-
Resilience
-
Suicidal Ideation
-
Conflict management
-
Empathy
-
Happiness and Gratitude
These sessions are held regularly with students, teaching, and non-teaching staff. RGNUL's mental health initiative also includes one-on-one counselling. The appointments are used to schedule the sessions. The candidate can walk into the health care and counselling centre or request an appointment by emailing counselor@rgnul.ac.in. The counsellor will then provide the earliest available time slot.
About the counselling
-
Counselling is a wellness process that is designed to be deeply heard, explore ways to build upon assets and strengths, and look for opportunities to overcome adversity.
-
If the candidate has any questions about the counseling, by all means, ask. The counselor is trained not to impose on the candidate any stereotypes of behavior, values, or roles related to age, gender, religion, race, disability, nationality, or sexual orientation.
-
Procedure for counseling sessions
-
The candidate is given a confidentiality and introductory form to ensure that their confidentiality will be upheld until the counsellor determines that the candidate poses a risk to themselves, others, or both. The form also includes information about the counselor's training and credentials.
-
Upon filling out the form, the therapy approach is explained and each session lasts between 50 and 55 minutes and a follow-up session is scheduled at the end.
-
The counseling services are provided at no cost.
Dr. Jaismeen Kaur
(Counselor)