A public speaking event and a self care workshop was arranged on 11th October 2019 by BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED), Brac University at BRAC Centre Auditorium to celebrate International Mental Health Day. The event was arranged with the technical support of Bangladesh Debating Council (BDC), with an effort to provide a platform for youth to voice what is in their hearts, to keep a lookout for those in distress, and to spread the message that all lives are to be nurtured and cherished. Renowned Social Justice Advocate & Journalist Ms. Nobonita Chowdhury and Associate Professor of Dept. of Child Adolescent & Family Psychiatry National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed were present during the event as Special Guests.
Nine speakers from the top universities in Bangladesh (Brac University, North South University, Dhaka University, IBA-DU, ULAB, Independent University, Bangladesh University of Professionals, United International University, Islamic University of Technology) delivered speeches centered on the theme: “How Should You Reach Out to Me”. Through this public speaking competition, students expressed their thoughts and needs, pointed out the reasons causing stress and suggested ways on how parents, teachers and other caregivers can support them in their struggles. Rashad Reaz, the winning speaker shared, “You know when someone is coughing they might have asthma. But when I’m not smiling, you don’t know the stress and the pain that I go through. We are human beings, and our mental health and our mind is what makes us superior. Then, why don’t we take care of it?”
Nobonita Chowdhury stated the importance of taking care of our minds, “We will find pleasure in speaking out loud, only when there are ears willing to listen. We need to be aware of our loved ones, willing to talk, and spend adequate amount of time taking care of ourselves as well as those who matters.”
Dr. Helal Uddin Ahmed emphasized, that 50% of psychological problems begin before 14 years of age. “It is imperative to take care of the young population, than any other age groups. They also need to learn to take care of themselves,” he added.
To help youth take care of their mental health, the event conducted a self care workshop, facilitated by BRAC IED’s Counseling Psychology Unit. It consisted of relaxing mindfulness exercises, and self-care techniques.
BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BRAC IED), since 2004 has been working to provide solutions and leadership on mental health concerns and advocate for young people’s well being to help them become empathetic, empowered and engaged individuals.