Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 28: St Aloysius Pre-University College (SAPUC), organised a series of sessions on mental health to help students understand and manage anxiety, develop healthier habits and cultivate a positive approach to academic and personal challenges.
Held as part of the college’s observance of World Mental Health Day, the sessions focused on examination anxiety, mental well-being, productivity and growth mindset. The resource persons combined practical strategies, interactive activities and relatable examples to engage students and encourage them to develop healthy approaches to managing stress and challenges.
In the session ‘My mind, my strength – From panic to power,’ Dr Zeena Flavia D’Souza, associate professor at St Aloysius (Deemed to be University), addressed anxiety and its impact on the mind and body. She encouraged students to acknowledge their emotions, focus on aspects within their control and respond to examination-related pressure with greater calm and awareness. A guided demonstration introduced students to box breathing, a simple technique that can help regulate breathing and manage moments of anxiety.
Psychologist Athena Arhana, recipient of the Happy Space Community Changemakers Award 2026, conducted a session on ‘Mental Health and Productivity.’ She explored how stress, boredom and the pressure to remain constantly productive can contribute to habits such as excessive scrolling. Students were encouraged to adopt manageable routines, begin difficult tasks with five minutes of focused effort, minimise distractions, engage in constructive activities and pause before responding to impulsive urges.
The session on ‘Growth Mindset’ by Akshata Shetty encouraged students to view setbacks as opportunities for learning and improvement. Through stories and everyday examples, she urged them to step beyond their comfort zones and remain persistent when faced with difficulties. Referring to Sir Edmund Hillary’s historic ascent of Mount Everest, she highlighted perseverance and determination as important qualities in overcoming challenges. She also emphasised the influence of words and positive thinking in shaping one’s outlook and approach to life.
The sessions highlighted the importance of mental well-being in students’ academic and personal development. They also equipped students with practical strategies to cope with stress, develop healthier routines, respond thoughtfully to challenges and seek appropriate support when needed.
Through such initiatives, SAPUC continues to promote a supportive learning environment that places student well-being alongside academic growth and holistic development.