Workshop on theme, “Mental Health and Stress Management Strategies”

Chandigarh, March 10, 2026: The Department-cum-Centre for Women’s Studies and Development (DCWSD) organised a workshop on the theme, “Mental Health and Stress Management Strategies”, to launch ‘Trinjan 2K26’ as part of its week-long celebrations of International Women’s Day.
The workshop aimed to raise awareness about the growing importance of mental well-being and to equip students with practical strategies to manage stress in their academic as well as personal lives. The session featured Dr. Komila Parthi, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology, DAV College, Sector 10, Chandigarh, as the Expert Speaker.
Dr. Parthi delivered an insightful interactive talk on the evolving challenges of mental health in today’s fast-paced and digitally driven world. She sensitised the participants to the new realities of the digital era and discussed how rapid technological changes are influencing human behaviour and emotional responses. Sticking to the ground reality is the urgent need of the hour.
Dr. Parthi discussed several contemporary challenges affecting mental health, including teenage dilemmas, peer pressure, unwanted pregnancies. She dwelled on the paradox of the digital world, which can be both empowering as well as harmful. She highlighted the “hidden epidemic of exhaustion” resulting from rising expectations and constant digital engagement. Stressing the importance of self-awareness and empathy, she explained that neglecting mental health can lead to burnout, reduced productivity, increased anxiety, and strained relationships. She also shared practical stress management strategies such as self-regulation, emotional control, regular exercise, effective time management, and maintaining meaningful social connections, while encouraging students to practice meditation, adopt positive affirmations, and develop habits that strengthened mental resilience and overall well-being, and digital detoxification, etc. She concluded her talk on a positive note by asserting that, if our generation could survive the COVID-19 pandemic, then, nothing is impossible, to achieve.
Earlier, the workshop commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Rajesh K. Chander, Chairperson of the Department, who highlighted the ‘Rights, Justice, Action’ call of UN Women, and the significance of discussing women’s mental health, particularly in academic spaces. During the course of the discussion, Prof. Manvinder Kaur also shared her perspectives and insights on mental health issues. The workshop witnessed active participation from a total of 75 students and research scholars not only from the Department, but also from various other departments of the university. The interactive session provided participants with valuable insights into managing stress and maintaining mental clarity, mindfulness, and emotional balance in their daily lives.