On the occasion of International Women’s Day, Women’s Cell of St Agnes College (Autonomous), Mangaluru organised a Webinar on Women and Mental Health. Resource Person for the Webinar was Dr Shalini Aiyappa, Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Psychology, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangaluru.

Webinar was organised with the intension of creating awareness among faculty and students on the importance of mental health and how mental health can affect physical health.

The Webinar began with Mrs Sheryl Preethika, Assistant Professor, Department of Commerce and Women’s Cell Co-ordinator, highlighting the relevance of International Women’s Day and revealing the objective of organising the webinar.

Sr Dr M. Venissa A. C., Principal, St Agnes College (Autonomous), gave the presidential address and emphasised on the theme for Women’s Day. She encouraged women to be in the forefront like Venerable Mother Veronica the founder of Apostolic Carmel Congregation and Mother Mary Aloysia A. C. founder of the college. She said “their hardships and contribution to the society must inspire young women to work hard to reach greater heights while being service oriented.”

Dr Shalini Aiyappa then led the session by defining what is mental health and the different risks to mental health. She emphasised on how important it is to take care of ourselves mentally because it does have an impact on our physical health. She discussed certain measures to overcome the risks to mental health. Answering the queries of participants she said, “Women have the habit of holding on to things, its good if we let go of things and learn to live in the present and live in the moment. And this will come only by practice.”

Mrs Sheryl Preethika, welcomed and introduced the resource person Dr Shalini Aiyappa. Ms Jean Goveas, Women’s Cell Secretary expressed words of gratitude. A total of 176 faculty and students had registered for the webinar. The webinar was appreciated by the participants.