WASH FORUM Reloaded on “Stress Management Among Youths”

Prepared by: Paaila Sushama Sharma, Member, PP Batch III

Edited by: Paaila Anita Bhuju, Network Coordinator

On 20 August 2020, Paschim Paaila in collaboration with ENPHO (Environment and Public Health Organization) organized 9^th WASH FORUM Reloaded on “Stress Management among Youths” through zoom platform. The main objective of the program was to share about stress and its effects on career development of youths, acquaint youths about how to Reduce, prevent and cope with stress as well as to share importance of psycho-social well-being. In Nepal, 40% of people are younger than 18 years of age and COVID-19 pandemic may be a stressful situation for young people regarding career development. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. Coping with stress in a healthy way will make you, the people you care about, and your community stronger.

Dr. Narendra Singh Thagunna, Vice President of Association of Psychologist was the speaker for the program. The session was initiated with evaluation on mental health condition of participants through a form filling process with specific questions. During the session, different types of mind exercise were conducted. The meaning of stress, cause of stress on students, consequences of student’s mental health on were mostly highlighted in the session.

Dr. Thagunna explained 6 stress management strategies to prevent from unhealthy stress coping mechanism. Also, participants were encouraged to build a positive mental health by creating healthy routine, owing your feelings, eliminating toxic influences, supporting each other, and connecting with others also shared the tips for success on life.

The program had an overwhelming participation of more than 90 participants from different part of Nepal. At the end, Dr. Thagunna addressed queries from the participants. Paaila Amrit Bista, Member, PP Batch III facilitated the overall program.