New Delhi, Aug 20: The Teachers’ Empowerment Lecture Series No. 8, organized by the Markazi Taleemi Board (MTB), Federation of Muslim Educational Institutions (FMEI), and All India Islamic Teachers Association (AIITA), held an insightful online session here Sunday, focused on “Issues of Mental Health and Guidance.” The lecture was delivered by Prof. Shah Alam from the Department of Psychology at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), drawing a diverse audience that included teachers, students, and individuals from various walks of life.
The session addressed key mental health challenges faced in academic and professional settings, offering valuable guidance on maintaining mental well-being. Prof. Alam, a noted expert in psychology, covered a range of important topics:
– Positive Thinking and Balance: Prof. Alam stressed the importance of cultivating a positive mindset to combat negative thoughts, highlighting that satisfaction and balance are crucial for mental health.
– Parental Influence: He discussed the conflicts that often arise between adolescents’ desire for independence and parental expectations. Prof. Alam warned that mishandling these emotions during adolescence could lead to long-term psychological issues.
– Mental Health Resources: Pointing out the shortage of mental health professionals, particularly for women, Prof. Alam called for increased resources and support to address this critical need.
– Listening and Understanding: He emphasized the significance of active listening by parents, teachers, and counselors, illustrating this with an example from the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who valued listening as a key method of understanding and supporting children.
– Academic and Social Pressures: The lecture also touched on the impact of academic pressures, competitive exams, and excessive mobile phone use on students’ mental health. Prof. Alam urged educators and parents to help students manage these stresses by balancing study with leisure activities.
– Future Outlook: Prof. Alam predicted a growing demand for psychologists and counselors in the 21st century and highlighted the importance of setting mental health goals and engaging in self-assessment.
During the session, Prof. Alam introduced the “8+8+8” formula, advocating for a balanced approach to daily life by dividing the day into three segments: eight hours for work, eight hours for personal life, and eight hours for sleep. This method aims to foster harmony and well-being.
Key Recommendations:
– Enhance mental health resources and professional support.
– Promote a balanced approach to education and technology use.
– Encourage active listening and understanding within families and educational environments.
– Support students in setting realistic goals and recognizing their strengths.
The interactive nature of the session allowed participants to actively engage, with many posing questions and sharing their concerns about mental health. The success of this lecture highlights the critical need for ongoing mental health education and awareness.
The organizers, MTB, FMEI and AIITA, expressed their gratitude for the enthusiastic response and reaffirmed their commitment to hosting future events aimed at empowering educators and the broader community.
