The National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, observed World Mental Health Day 2025 with a week-long series of events aimed at promoting awareness, empathy, and access to mental health services. Organised under the aegis of the Trained Nurses’ Association of India (TNAI), UT Branch, the celebrations were guided by Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, President, and Dr. Sunita Sharma, Secretary, TNAI. The initiative centred around the global theme — “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”

I wanted to write about this because mental health remains one of the most misunderstood aspects of healthcare, especially in India, where stigma and lack of awareness often prevent people from seeking help. Events like this — led by dedicated educators and nursing professionals — show how collective community action can help normalise discussions about mental well-being. The NINE team’s efforts stand as a model for how educational institutions can turn global observances into meaningful local impact, reaching out to people who need support the most.

A Week Dedicated to Mental Health and Awareness

The celebrations began on 5th October 2025 with a Walkathon organised in collaboration with the Department of Psychiatry, PGIMER, to spread awareness about the importance of mental well-being. The walk, which started from PGI and concluded at Sukhna Lake, saw active participation from nursing students, faculty members, and healthcare professionals. Carrying placards with slogans promoting mental health awareness, participants interacted with the public, encouraging them to prioritise their emotional and psychological health.

The event aimed to highlight that mental well-being is as vital as physical fitness, and that early intervention, empathy, and open dialogue can help prevent mental distress and disorders from escalating.

Health Talks and Community Outreach

Following the walkathon, the institute organised a series of health talks and interactive sessions focused on key mental health issues such as anger management, stress control, drug addiction, and coping strategies for emotional balance. These sessions were conducted by nursing students and faculty members from NINE at multiple venues, including the De-addiction Centre, Psychiatry Ward, and various community areas in Sector 25, Chandigarh.

The sessions were designed to be accessible and conversational, helping participants understand common signs of emotional distress and practical ways to manage them. The outreach teams also distributed informational pamphlets, held small group discussions, and used storytelling to break down stigma associated with seeking mental health support.

Faculty members shared that the community’s response was highly encouraging, with many participants opening up about their own experiences with stress and anxiety.

Role of Nursing Students and Faculty

The active involvement of nursing students was one of the most remarkable aspects of the event. They were trained not only to spread awareness but also to demonstrate empathy, listening skills, and non-judgmental communication — vital qualities for future healthcare professionals.

Speaking about the initiative, Dr. Sukhpal Kaur, President, TNAI UT Branch, said that such programmes help nursing students understand their pivotal role in mental health advocacy. “As caregivers, nurses are often the first point of contact for patients in distress. It is essential that they are equipped to recognise signs of emotional strain and provide appropriate guidance or referrals,” she said.

Dr. Sunita Sharma, Secretary, TNAI, UT Branch, added that building mental health literacy within the community is crucial for creating resilient societies. “Our goal is to ensure that mental health is not treated as a taboo subject but as an essential part of overall well-being,” she noted.

Theme Highlights: Access to Services in Emergencies

This year’s global theme, “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” resonated deeply with participants. The discussions underscored how natural disasters, pandemics, and conflicts have lasting psychological effects and why mental health services must be integrated into emergency response frameworks.

The organisers highlighted that during catastrophes and crises, mental health often becomes a silent casualty. Whether it’s healthcare workers coping with burnout or families dealing with displacement, access to counselling and community support is critical.

Dr. Kaur emphasised that institutions like PGIMER and NINE play a vital role in bridging this gap by training nursing students to respond effectively during emergencies. “Our focus is not just on clinical care but also on emotional preparedness,” she said.

Public Engagement and Awareness Drive

Throughout the Mental Health Week, NINE students also engaged with residents, shopkeepers, and youth in different parts of Chandigarh. They encouraged people to take small steps toward self-care — such as practising relaxation techniques, maintaining a balanced lifestyle, and reaching out for professional help when needed.

The faculty also organised role-plays and demonstrations that depicted real-life scenarios of people struggling with anxiety, substance abuse, or stress. These interactive performances made the message more relatable, prompting discussions about early intervention and the need for community support systems.