What are frustrations and stresses the young adults of the present-day face and how do they tackle these troubles? How should their families and dear ones come forward at the time of their need? To reflect on these situations BRAC Institute of Educational Development conducted an event where students from nine universities of the country spoke. Experts and social advocates also addressed the event.
Titled ‘Public speaking and self-care workshop’, the program was arranged at the BRAC Centre on 11th October 2019 with technical support from Bangladesh Debating Council. The function was organized on the occasion of World Mental Health Day which was celebrated on 10 October. This year the World Health Organization highlighted the prevention of suicide as the theme of the day, urging the nations and communities across the world to tackle the rising incidence of suicides through robust mental health care.
Participating universities were BRAC University, North South University, Dhaka University, The Institute of Business Administration of Dhaka University, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB), Independent University, Bangladesh University of Professionals, United International University, Islamic University of Technology.
Nabanita Chowdhury, renowned social justice advocate, journalist, and director of BRAC’s Violence Against Women Initiative, and D r. Helal Uddin Ahmed, associate professor of National Mental Health Institute addressed the audience as special guests.
Young participants expressed their thoughts on the mental health issues particularly stress young adults face in their life nowadays. They pointed out several reasons causing stress, which include, parents and senior people not wanting to listen to their say, lack of space for young people speaking about their wishes and choices, likes and dislikes, fear and tension, parents and seniors comparing them with others without realising that every person has their own individual existence and choices, irrational criticism of things what they like or love to do, not giving proper attention and value to the emotions of the young members of the family.
Organizers said the objective of the event was to create a space for the youths to speak up their minds on the need for mental and emotional care, nurturing and trust and their expectations of a response from their families, relatives, friends, and institutions.
Following the public speaking round the youths attended a self-care workshop facilitated by BRAC IED’s Counseling Psychology Unit. The objective of the workshop was to boost self-confidence and positive attitude towards life and grow an empathic mind among the young participants.
