Mental Health Gatekeepers: A Student Awareness Session at St. Mary’s PU College, Falnir, Mangaluru
An awareness session on “Mental Health Students as Gatekeepers” was organized on 24 th August, 2026 for the students of II PUC with the aim of creating awareness about mental health, identifying warning signs, and encouraging students to support peers who may be experiencing emotional difficulties.. The program began with a prayer song by the students of II Science followed by welcome speech by Ms. Saliha Naaz.
The session was conducted by Dr. Lavina Noronha, and Mrs. Shalini Dsouza who served as the resource person for the day. They were welcomed with a potted plant by the College principal Sr. Maria Gracilda and Mrs. Vijayalakshmi, Lecturer in Chemistry respectively The students were divided into two groups where the resource persons guided the students with the same topic. They sensitized the students to the importance of mental well-being and emphasized that students can play an important role in creating a supportive and caring environment among their peers.
The session covered important topics such as suicide facts and demographics, warning signs and risk factors of suicidal ideation, and risk assessment. Through case discussions, the students were encouraged to understand the importance of noticing changes in a person’s behaviour and responding with empathy and concern.
Dr. Lavina highlighted that being a gatekeeper does not mean solving someone’s problems. Rather, it involves recognizing signs of distress, listening without judgment, offering support, and guiding the person towards trusted adults or professional help when necessary.
The interactive session helped students understand the importance of communication, empathy and timely intervention. It also encouraged them to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a culture where seeking help is viewed positively.
The programme concluded with a pledge to save lives, through which the students committed themselves to being more compassionate, responsible and supportive towards those around them. The program was compered by Ms.Shiza Ayan from II PUC and Vote of thanks was proposed by Ms. Fathima Bathool of II Science.
The session was highly informative and meaningful. It equipped the students with greater awareness of mental health concerns and reinforced the message that a caring word, a listening ear and timely support can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
Afternoon Session for I PUC
An afternoon awareness session on “Mental Health – Students as Gatekeepers” was organized for the I PUC students on 24th August 2026. The session was conducted by Ms. Ruksana Abhas Haji and Dr. Zeena Flavia D’Souza, who served as the resource persons for the session.
The programme began with the welcome speech by Ms. Fathima Liya followed by the introduction of the resource persons. The session was compered by Ms.Hazara Nazeefa.
The resource persons sensitized the students to the significance of mental health and the important role they can play as responsible gatekeepers among their peers. Through an engaging and interactive approach, the students were encouraged to recognize signs of emotional distress, communicate with empathy, listen without judgment, and guide those in need towards trusted adults or professional help.
The session focused on the importance of mental well-being, early identification of warning signs, risk factors, effective communication, empathy, and timely intervention. The students were encouraged to understand that being a gatekeeper does not mean solving another person’s problems, but rather noticing signs of distress, offering support, and helping the individual access appropriate assistance.
The afternoon session reinforced the message that mental health deserves the same care and attention as physical health. It also encouraged students to break the stigma surrounding mental health and to create a supportive and caring environment where seeking help is viewed positively.
The programme concluded with the vote of thanks proposed by Ms.Ayisha Afnaz. Overall, the session was highly informative and meaningful. It equipped the students with greater awareness of mental health concerns and reinforced the message that a caring word, a listening ear, and timely support can make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.
