Parents, teachers key to preventing child, adolescent mental health issues: Experts

Srinagar, Aug 24: The Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS-MCH Bemina (Advanced Centre for Mental Health and Addiction Medicine) organised a two-day National Conference on Child Psychiatry (NCPC) at the SKIMS-MCH Bemina auditorium, which concluded on August 23. The conference, held on August 22-23, was supported by the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry. Its theme was “Prevention to Intervention: Evidence-Based Strategies for Child Mental Health.”Eminent speakers from across India and beyond discussed various topics related to child mental health, emphasising approaches from prevention to intervention. The sessions included workshops, invited lectures, a quiz, panel discussions, and research presentations by scholars. The primary goal was to enhance the skills of faculty, residents, and teachers in managing mental health issues among children and adolescents.Participants comprised faculty, residents, and medical students from various medical institutions in the valley, along with special delegates, including lecturers and teachers from the psychology stream, who actively participated in interactive sessions.The inaugural function was graced by Prof (Dr) A.G. Ahangar, former Director of SKIMS, EOSG, as the chief guest, along with Dr Gautam Saha and Dr Murgesh Vaishnav as guests of honour. Other dignitaries included Prof (Dr) Mohd Ashraf Ganai, Director of SKIMS, EOSG, Principal SKIMS-MCH, Prof (Dr) Fazalul Qadir Parray, Dean SKIMS, Dr GM Gulzar, and office bearers of the Indian Association of Private Psychiatry (IAPP).During the event, the Director of SKIMS emphasised the importance of establishing a Brain Research Centre for advanced psychiatric research and highlighted the significance of maintaining positive parent-child relationships. He assured ongoing support for the department’s initiatives.The conference was attended by Dr Salim Khan, President of the J&K Medical Council, and was accredited with 8 CME credit hours by the JK Medical Council. Speakers and participants underlined the vital role of parents and teachers in preventing mental health issues among children and adolescents.The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof (Dr) Abdul Majid, Head of the Department of Psychiatry at SKIMS-MCH and organising secretary of the conference. The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr Nizam-ud-din Dar, honorary treasurer of the event.On the second day, topics included community-based prevention strategies by Alisha Arora from CIP Ranchi, building resilience through teacher training, behavioural addiction by a team from NIMHANS Bangalore, innovative models and experiences from the Child Guidance Well-Being Centre Kashmir by Dr Zaid A. Wani, child psychopharmacology, and screening of ADHD among school-going children.Feedback from teachers and lecturers from various institutions appreciated the department’s efforts and emphasised the need for regular repetition of such programs. The importance of collaboration between the health and education departments was highlighted, with a recommendation to organise a workshop in October 2025 in collaboration with the Department of Education, pending approval from higher authorities.In the valedictory session, Dr Fazulul Qadir Parray, Principal of SKIMS Medical College Bemina, stressed the importance of assessing children’s capabilities and tailoring future plans accordingly, rather than relying solely on authoritative parenting and teaching methods.Dr Mrugesh Vaishnav, National President and Hon. General Secretary of IAPP, praised the organising committee and emphasised the need to include all stakeholders, especially from the School Education Department, as they are the first responders to vulnerable populations.Dr Abdul Maajid, Prof. & HOD of Psychiatry, along with Dr Nizam-ud-Din, thanked all faculty members, delegates, and the Directorate of School Education for making the event a memorable and successful one.