Suicide Prevention and Stress Management Workshop - Pokhara

Dec. 17, 2024

The one day Suicide Prevention and mental health awareness program was conducted at Shree Shitaladevi Community Secondary School in Pokhara-12 on Poush 2, 2081. A total of 134 participants from Grade 11 and 12 participated in the sessions. The session was divided into two sections considering the number of students. The session was presented by a team of experts, including:

* Program Head: Roshina Kunwar
* Psychiatric Doctor: Achut Acharya
* Managing Director/Mental Health Social Worker: Pawan Poudel
* Social Worker: Aashika Ranabhat
* Facilitator: Namuna Karki
Program Duration: 2 hours

The primary objective of the session was to raise awareness about mental health, help students identify stressors and mental health issues, and provide them with effective stress management techniques. The session also aimed to empower students with practical tools for taking better care of their mental health.

The session employed a variety of engaging activities designed to educate students on mental health topics and offer them practical tools for managing stress and suicide prevention. The key activities included expert- led presentations, the Butterfly Hug Therapy exercise, a Q&A session, and an interactive group game to engage the students.

It began with a pre-assessment to gauge the students' existing knowledge of mental health. This was followed by expert-led presentations on mental health, identifying common stressors, and understanding stress management. Interactive discussions allowed students to ask questions and share their thoughts, creating an open learning environment. The practical exercise, including the Butterfly Hug Therapy, provided students with hands-on tools for relieving stress. A video demonstration was used to explain mental health issues in a more visual and accessible way. Finally, a post-assessment helped measure the students' understanding of the topics discussed and the knowledge they gained during the session.