Loreto College marks World Mental Health Day with mindfulness, dance therapy

Loreto College (Autonomous), Kolkata, through its Department of Psychology, observed World Mental Health Day on October 8, 2026. The programme highlighted psychological well-being, emotional awareness, and accessible mental health support, featuring sessions on mindfulness and Dance Movement Therapy (DMT).

The event also marked the launch of the department’s annual e-magazine, Qualia-Verse, and aimed to encourage students to explore practical approaches for managing stress, expressing emotions, and developing self-awareness. World Mental Health Day is an international awareness day, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), observed annually on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues globally.

Mindfulness and Emotional Regulation

The programme commenced with a session on mindfulness led by Ms Neerajana Ghosh. Ms Ghosh discussed the role of mindfulness in strengthening self-awareness, emotional regulation, and overall psychological well-being. Participants were encouraged to observe their surroundings, acknowledge thoughts without judgment, and allow them to pass. The session also clarified the distinction between mindfulness and meditation.

The objective of this session was to provide students with practical tools for managing stress and enhancing their emotional awareness. By engaging in these exercises, students were encouraged to develop a greater understanding of their internal states and to cultivate a more balanced approach to their emotional responses.

Exploring Dance Movement Therapy

Dr Aditi Bandyopadhyay, a physician and dance movement therapist, introduced participants to the therapeutic applications of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). Dr Bandyopadhyay discussed how DMT can support individuals with special needs and those living with conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease.

Interactive movement-based exercises were part of the DMT session, encouraging students to express themselves creatively, connect with their bodies, and explore movement as a means of communicating emotions and relieving stress. The session highlighted DMT’s potential to promote self-awareness, strengthen emotional well-being, and provide alternative ways of coping with everyday challenges.

Launch of Qualia-Verse and Community Support

The Department of Psychology’s annual e-magazine, Qualia-Verse, was inaugurated by the college’s Teacher-in-Charge, Sr. Dr. A. Nirmala. The e-magazine is centred on the theme of “lived experiences,” offering students a platform to share personal narratives, express their perspectives, and engage with experiences different from their own.

On top of the day’s programme, Loreto College’s mental health clinic, Swosti, provides free assessments conducted by trained mental health professionals to members of the community. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote mental health awareness and make psychological support accessible beyond the campus.

World Mental Health Day Context

World Mental Health Day, first celebrated on October 10, 1992, is an international awareness day observed annually on October 10th. It is dedicated to promoting mental health education, raising awareness about mental health issues, and mobilising efforts to support mental health initiatives worldwide. The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), established in 1948, encourages organisations globally to organise events around the annual theme.

The theme for World Mental Health Day 2026 is “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.” This theme encourages the sharing of personal narratives to foster understanding and drive change in mental health support. The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health initiatives.

Written by Nishit Kumar

Nishit Kumar is a senior EdTech industry leader with over a decade of experience in building and scaling education platforms, shaping their product, content, and growth strategy. At FindMyCollege, Nishit oversees content and editorial strategy, guiding topic selection and content frameworks to ensure accuracy, relevance, and student-first value across the website.

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