Tag: anxiety

EduConnect

IGNITE 1.0: Overnight Leadership and Communication Boot Camp

Tanisha Cardozo

The Department of Mass Communication and Journalism organised IGNITE 1.0, an overnight leadership and communication boot camp held on 6 and 7 December 2025 at Salesians of Don Bosco, Odxel. Designed around the theme of “learn, unlearn and lead,” the camp aimed to strengthen students’ communication abilities, teamwork skills and interpersonal growth. A total of 23 students from the FY, SY and TY batches participated in the programme.

The camp opened with a session on problem-solving, critical thinking and social etiquette, where students were encouraged to understand their core selves, communicate effectively and recognise how perspectives differ among individuals. Interactive activities, including a team-entangling challenge, highlighted leadership, patience and collective progress, while also drawing attention to the role of body language, social cues and respectful communication.

The second session focused on leadership, teamwork and time management, using collaborative exercises to demonstrate the importance of coordination, clear goals and working toward a shared vision. Students were encouraged to dream ambitiously while learning how effective time management supports both personal and professional growth. The day concluded with a shared barbecue dinner and recreation, fostering bonding and camaraderie.

The second day began with a morning beach activity followed by a reflective prayer session that emphasised balancing future aspirations with living meaningfully in the present. Students were reminded of the determination required to pursue purposeful goals while remaining grounded in the moment.

A session on building meaningful connections highlighted the importance of authenticity, active listening and empathy in both personal and professional relationships. Through guided reflection and interactive exercises, students explored self-awareness, emotional resilience and the question of personal identity.

The final session centred on kindness and empathy, encouraging students to reflect on their place in the world, their awareness of others and how their individual skills can contribute positively to society. Through paired discussions and thoughtful activities, participants were guided toward a deeper understanding of compassion and responsibility.

IGNITE 1.0 concluded as a meaningful and transformative experience, offering students a safe and engaging space to develop essential life skills, strengthen bonds and grow as future communicators by learning, unlearning and discovering themselves along the way.

Health

Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts State-Level Mental Health Awareness Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College, Panjim, marked Mental Health Week with a powerful State-Level Mental Health Awareness Celebration on September 30, 2025. Organised by the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club, in collaboration with the WOW Foundation and Aaji Care, the event served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment around mental health, focusing on both youth resilience and dementia awareness.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College. His session, titled “Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” underscored the importance of early diagnosis, supportive caregiving, and breaking societal silence around aging-related mental health conditions. His insights were both informative and emotional, highlighting how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

Adding to the depth of the event, Ms. Ketaakii Parob Gadekar, Founder and President of the WOW Foundation, led a highly engaging session on “Psychological Resilience among Teenagers.” With real-life scenarios and practical tools, she spoke about the increasing pressures faced by today’s youth and the need to equip them with strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized the impact of such events in creating mental health awareness at the grassroots level. Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte, the Event Coordinator, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and impactful execution of the program, which saw participation from a wide spectrum of educational institutions including GVM College, St. Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Carmel College, and Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre.

College Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira and Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz praised the initiative, underlining the role of educational institutions in nurturing not just academic excellence but holistic well-being. They reiterated the need for ongoing efforts to normalise mental health conversations and provide safe spaces for students and faculty alike.

The event concluded with a collective reflection on the true meaning of mental health—not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of well-being, inner strength, and community support. The success of the program echoed a growing awareness in Goa’s educational circles: that mental health is essential, and the time to act is now.

Entertainment

Hollywood Actor Kristian Nairn Gets Emotional After Withdrawing from ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Due to Mental Health Concerns

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Kristian Nairn, the beloved 49-year-old actor known globally for his portrayal of Hodor in the HBO fantasy epic Game of Thrones, has officially withdrawn from Strictly Come Dancing. The decision, Nairn reveals, stems from ongoing personal battles with mental health and overwhelming emotional stress.

In a heartfelt public statement, Nairn expressed the difficulty of his decision:

“I have a grief and a bit of pain in myself and I am in stress, and it is too much for me, right now to handle.”

The announcement came shortly after the official line-up for this season of Strictly Come Dancing was revealed. Nairn, who was scheduled to appear as a contestant, cited “painful mental health and stress crises” as the primary reasons for stepping back.

He addressed fans directly, saying:

“I am saddened and heartily, I apologise to my fans who wished to see me in the show and be there to entertain. But it is very difficult for me to take this decision and move on from it.”

Sarah James, the show’s executive producer, responded with empathy and support, saying:

“It is truly sad news for all of us and for the show, which has been running for 22 years. I wanted Kristian to be with us, but he is not in the show due to his mental and stressful pain. We wish him a happy and speedy recovery.”

Strictly Come Dancing, a flagship BBC One program since 2004, has become a staple in television entertainment. Kristian’s exit marks a significant moment, highlighting the often unspoken pressures of public life.

Fans may also recognize Nairn from his recent role as Wee John Feeney in Our Flag Means Death, an HBO Max comedy series that concluded in October 2023 after a one-year run.

The show’s producers have confirmed that a replacement for Nairn may be announced shortly. Meanwhile, messages of support from fans, colleagues, and mental health advocates continue to pour in.

Social

World Hemophilia Day 2025: “Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too”

allycaralgoa

On April 17, 2025, the global bleeding disorders community will unite to raise awareness and advocate for improved care and support for women and girls with bleeding disorders. World Hemophilia Day is a pivotal moment to challenge inequities, break stigmas, and ensure comprehensive care for all individuals affected by these conditions.

The Challenge: Underdiagnosis and Underservice
Women and girls with bleeding disorders often face delayed diagnoses and limited access to treatment due to a lack of understanding about their unique needs. This year’s theme, “Access for All – Women and Girls Bleed Too,” highlights the urgent need to address these gaps and ensure equitable care for everyone in the bleeding disorders community.

The Impact: Strengthening the Community
By prioritizing the diagnosis and treatment of women and girls with bleeding disorders, we can improve their quality of life and strengthen the entire bleeding disorders community. As Cesar Garrido, WFH President, emphasizes, “Recognizing women and girls with bleeding disorders is a significant milestone for our community… Prioritizing their diagnosis and treatment is crucial, and doing so strengthens our entire bleeding disorders community.”

How to Get Involved
There are many ways to participate in World Hemophilia Day and make a difference:

  • Get Social: Share your story and raise awareness on social media using hashtags like #WorldHemophiliaDay, #WHD2025, #WeBleedToo, and #LightItUpRed.
  • Support Advocacy Efforts: Donate to support global advocacy initiatives and help build a better future for individuals with bleeding disorders.
  • Share Your Story: Submit your story to the WFH website and inspire others with your experiences.
  • Download Resources: Access posters, social media banners, and other materials to help build your World Hemophilia Day campaign.

Creating a Future with Treatment for All
World Hemophilia Day is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities to come together and advocate for equitable care and support. By working together, we can create a future where Treatment for All is a reality, and equity, care, and empowerment define the lives of those living with bleeding disorders.