Pabna University of Science and Technology Holds 'Stress Management' Program to Boost Student Mental Well-being

A day-long program titled 'Stress Management Strategies in Higher Education' was successfully organized for the students of Pabna University of Science and Technology (PUST) on Tuesday.

The event, aimed at addressing academic and future-related anxieties, was inaugurated at the Medical Center by Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam and Treasurer Professor Dr. Md. Shamim Ahsan.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Md. Nazrul Islam addressed the students, acknowledging that academic and future worries are natural, and that great people achieve success by facing pressure. He emphasized that taking help is not a sign of weakness and urged students to maintain a positive mindset, as mental positivity simplifies the resolution of major issues. He concluded that learning to control pressure is the key to success and that such programs will boost student morale.

Resource Person Professor Dr. Akhtar Banu from Rajshahi University highlighted the "social taboo" surrounding mental stress in the country, which prevents people from sharing their burdens. She stressed the importance of sharing thoughts to solve problems and noted that entertainment and mental freshness are crucial for both well-being and effective study. She also called for greater awareness among parents.

Dr. Masud Rana Sarkar, Assistant Professor (Psychiatry) of Pabna Mental Hospital, provided statistics, stating that 18% of people in Bangladesh suffer from mental problems, with 17% experiencing very common, manageable issues that can be resolved with simple treatment and counseling. He reassured students that forgetting things before an exam is a normal brain process and that the pressures associated with studies, results, and careers are natural. He concluded by mentioning that mastering certain techniques can lead to a stress-free life.