JAMMU, Oct 9: The Psychological Counselling Cell of Government College of Education (GCOE), Jammu, organised a series of activities under Mental Health Week Celebration 2026 from October 5 to 9 to promote mental health awareness, encourage open dialogue and sensitise students to the importance of psychological well-being.
The week-long programme featured a range of interactive and creative activities aimed at providing students with opportunities to express their views, share experiences, learn stress-management techniques and understand the significance of mental health in everyday life.
The celebration was organised under the guidance and support of Dr. Jyoti Parihar, Principal, GCOE Jammu. The initiative aimed to foster a positive and supportive campus environment, reduce the stigma associated with mental health concerns and encourage students to seek appropriate assistance whenever required.
Around 150 students from B.Ed., M.Ed. and ITEP programmes participated in the activities, demonstrating enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the week.
The programme commenced on Monday, October 5, with a symposium that facilitated meaningful discussions on mental health challenges and highlighted the importance of emotional well-being. On Tuesday, October 6, an open-house discussion provided students with a supportive platform to express their thoughts, share personal experiences and discuss psychological concerns without hesitation.
On Wednesday, October 7, a session on Progressive Muscle Relaxation was conducted to familiarise participants with a practical stress-management technique. The session focused on helping students release physical tension, promote relaxation and develop healthier ways of coping with stress.
On Thursday, October 8, slogan-writing and poster-making competitions were organised to encourage students to communicate messages about mental health awareness through creativity and artistic expression. The activities provided an opportunity for participants to highlight the importance of emotional support, self-care and breaking the stigma surrounding psychological difficulties.
The celebration culminated on Friday, October 9, with a presentation showcasing the activities conducted throughout the week. A skit highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and the need to approach psychological concerns with empathy and understanding was also presented.
Dr. Ambica Kumari, Convenor of the Psychological Counselling Cell, expressed gratitude to the Principal for her encouragement and support in facilitating the successful conduct of the programme. She also acknowledged the contributions of the organising team, comprising Prof. Anuradha Choudhary, Dr. Shalini Rana, Prof. Balwan Singh, Dr. Suraj Prakash and Dr. Sonam Gandotra.
She further appreciated the participating students for their valuable support, active involvement and cooperation in making the celebration meaningful and successful.
The Mental Health Week Celebration 2026 reinforced the message that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being. The initiative highlighted the importance of awareness, open communication, stress management and mutual support in building a healthier, more inclusive and compassionate educational community.