In observance of World Mental Health Day 2024, the Ernakulam Psychiatric Society organized a meeting on Thursday, 10th October 2024, at 8:00 PM at IMA House, Kochi. The event was themed around the global message, “It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace”, emphasizing the importance of mental health within professional settings.
The meeting commenced with a Welcome Address by Dr. T.C. Vishnu, Secretary of EPS, who set the tone for the evening by acknowledging the presence of esteemed guests and attendees, including mental health professionals, community leaders, and members of the public. Dr. Vishnu highlighted the significance of the day in raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly in the workplace, where stress and mental health challenges are often overlooked.
Following this, Dr. Anoop Vincent, President of EPS, delivered the Presidential Address. Dr. Vincent spoke about the progress made in the field of mental health and the increasing acknowledgment of workplace mental well-being. He emphasized the need for more structured support systems in professional environments, highlighting the role of both employers and mental health professionals in ensuring healthier workplaces.
The Theme Presentation, led by Dr. Ringhoo Theresa Jose, Consultant Psychiatrist at Lourdes Hospital, was the central focus of the evening. Dr. Jose elaborated on the theme, "It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace," with an oration on the impact of workplace stress on overall mental health. She discussed strategies to create more supportive work environments, the importance of destigmatizing mental health issues, and the need for mental health programs and policies in workplaces.
The event was formally inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Adv. M. Anilkumar, Mayor of Kochi Municipal Corporation. In his Inaugural Address, Adv. Anilkumar commended the efforts of the Ernakulam Psychiatric Society and reiterated the importance of mental health support systems at all levels of society, particularly in the workplace. He emphasized the role of the government and corporate entities in ensuring that mental health is prioritized and promoted in workplaces across the city and beyond.
The evening continued with a Felicitation Address by Dr. Jacob Abraham, President of the IMA Cochin, who expressed his appreciation for the efforts made by EPS to highlight workplace mental health, especially in the context of today's fast-paced work culture. He encouraged employers to collaborate with mental health professionals to foster a healthier working environment.
The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Dr. Aswin Krishnan Ajit, Treasurer of EPS, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, all the dignitaries, attendees, and the organizing committee for their contributions in making the observance meeting a success.
The World Mental Health Day observance provided an important platform for discussion, raising awareness, and planning action to address mental health challenges in the workplace, with the hope that more organizations will begin to adopt mental health-friendly policies.
