IMHANS Srinagar to set up wellness clinics in Schools for student mental health

In a bid to address the mental health needs of students, the Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (IMHANS) in Srinagar will set up wellness clinics in two government schools as part of its annual program.
Proposed by IMHANS to the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), this initiative aims to establish wellness clinics in two clusters of Srinagar, building on their longstanding partnership with DSEK in child mental health awareness and training programs.
Dr.ZaidWani, Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at IMHANS, highlighted the importance of collaboration with DSEK in training 90 teachers from specific clusters on Socio-Emotional Learning and Inclusive Education.
The establishment of Mental Health Cells in selected Educational Zones is expected to provide basic supportive sessions, Psychological First Aid, and timely referrals to specialized mental health facilities for students.
Dr.Zaid emphasized the need to overcome stigma and barriers to mental health referrals in schools, stating that the wellness clinics aim to strengthen the referral system and create a supportive ecosystem for school-based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS).
Syed Mujtaba, Coordinator at CGWC, emphasized the empowerment of teachers in identifying and addressing psychosocial and mental health issues effectively through the establishment of wellness clinics.
Acknowledging the stigma attached to mental health issues, experts emphasized the importance of mainstreaming mental health within academic institutions to encourage students to seek support when needed.
Mujtaba highlighted the role of weekly visits in offering continuous support and mainstreaming mental health within academic institutions, fostering a healthier and more supportive learning environment.
The recent capacity-building program for teachers focused on the socio-emotional wellbeing of children and adolescents, conducted by CGWC-IMHANS-K, underscores the institute’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness and education.
“CGWC-IMHANS-K will continue its efforts to promote mental health awareness and education through such capacity-building programs. The institute believes that well-equipped teachers are pivotal in fostering a supportive and nurturing environment that can significantly impact the overall wellbeing of children and adolescents,” Mujtaba said.