Loreto College Marks World Mental Health Day; Highlights Mindfulness, Emotional Well-being and Dance Therapy

The Department of Psychology at Loreto College (Autonomous), Kolkata, observed World Mental Health Day on October 8, 2026, with a programme highlighting the importance of psychological well-being, emotional awareness and accessible mental health support. The event featured interactive sessions on mindfulness and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT), alongside the launch of the department’s annual e-magazine, Qualia-Verse. Through these activities, the college sought to encourage students to explore practical approaches to managing stress, expressing emotions and developing greater self-awareness.

The programme began with a session by Ms Neerajana Ghosh, who discussed mindfulness and its role in strengthening self-awareness, emotional regulation and overall psychological well-being. Through a guided exercise, participants were encouraged to observe their surroundings, acknowledge their thoughts without judging them and allow those thoughts to pass. The session also explained the distinction between mindfulness and meditation, introducing students to practical techniques that they could incorporate into their daily routines to manage stress, navigate difficult emotions and support their mental health.

Dr Aditi Bandyopadhyay, a physician and dance movement therapist, subsequently introduced participants to the therapeutic applications of Dance Movement Therapy. She discussed how DMT can support individuals with special needs and people living with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease, among others. Interactive movement-based exercises encouraged students to express themselves creatively, connect with their bodies and explore movement as a means of communicating emotions and relieving stress. The session highlighted the potential of DMT to promote self-awareness, strengthen emotional well-being and provide alternative ways of coping with everyday challenges.

Another key moment was the inauguration of Qualia-Verse, the Department of Psychology’s annual e-magazine, by the college’s Teacher-in-Charge, Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala. Centred on the theme of “lived experiences”, the publication offers students a platform to share personal narratives, express their perspectives and engage with experiences different from their own. The initiative also creates space for students to reflect on the varied ways individuals perceive and understand the world around them.

The World Mental Health Day programme reflected Loreto College’s wider efforts to promote mental health awareness and make psychological support available beyond the campus. The college’s mental health clinic, Swosti, offers free assessments conducted by trained mental health professionals to members of the community. This initiative extends the institution’s focus on psychological support beyond academic activities and seeks to make mental health services more accessible.