With the changing lifestyles and habits, the stress level amongst the youth is on the rise which is worrisome as it might leads to medical complications. This was stated by Head, Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Amritsar, Professor (Dr.) PD Garg while delivering a key note address during the special program on the theme 'Young People and Mental Health in the Changing World, organized by Khalsa College of Nursing (KCN) on the occasion of World Mental Health day today.  

He said the competitive world is posing new challenges and youngsters are falling prey to anxieties and mental tensions which need care. He said healthy lifestyle including nutritious diet, daily exercise, positivity, social and family supports are required to tackle the stress. ``The growing cases of mental illness in adolescence and the early years of adulthood is worrisome and we need to sensitize the people on the dire need of putting an end to mental health discrimination”, said Garg.  

Khalsa College Governing Council Honorary Secretary Rajinder Mohan Singh Chhina who was the chief guest at the program said that the society is changing and so are the needs and wants which are leading to issues relating the mental health. ``However there is a growing recognition of the importance of helping young people build mental resilience, from the earliest ages, in order to cope with the challenges of today’s world", said Chhina.   He added that that promoting and protecting adolescent health brings benefits not just to adolescents’ health, but also to economies and society, with healthy young adults able to make greater contributions to the workforce, their families and communities and society as a whole. The guests were earlier welcomed by Principal Dr. Neelam Hans, Medical Officer

Dr. Charanjit Singh and vice Principal Dr.Monica who managed the stage well.   A poster exhibition on mental health, drugs addiction and imbibing positivity in life was also displayed. Principal Dr. Neelam Hans said there is requirement of spreading awareness and understanding about mental illness in society and today the day has been dedicated to the theme by World Health Organization (WHO).

Professor Amandeep Kaur, Professor Yashpreet Kaur and others were present and they also highlighted the critical role of schools and colleges in building the mental resilience of students and providing them the much needed psychosocial support thus helping them cope with everyday challenges. KCA Principal Dr. Mehal Singh, KCE Principal Dr. Harpreet Kaur, KCW Principal Dr.Manpreet Kaur, staff and students were also present.