BANDIPORA, JULY 25: As part of its sustained commitment to strengthening mental health and addiction recovery services, District Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Bandipora under the auspices of District Social Welfare Office, Bandipora Saturday organised another Special Psychiatric Consultation featuring renowned psychiatrist Dr. Aijaz Ahmad.
The initiative witnessed an encouraging response, with around 20 people availing free psychiatric consultation and assessment. The beneficiaries comprised individuals undergoing treatment for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), many of whom were also experiencing co-existing mental health conditions requiring specialised psychiatric intervention.
Before the consultation, the DDAC team conducted a comprehensive Group Counselling Session, focusing on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices as an integral component of long-term recovery. Participants were sensitised about the significance of quality sleep, balanced nutrition, maintaining strong family and social relationships, regular physical activity and self-discipline in achieving sustained mental well-being.
During the awareness session, the beneficiaries were introduced to the ABCD Model for Mental Well-being, comprising A–Adopt Healthy Sleep Habits, B–Balanced Diet, C–Connectivity with Family, Friends and Positive Support Systems, and D -Daily Physical Activity and Self-Discipline. The model was presented as a practical framework to promote healthy behavioural changes and strengthen recovery outcomes.
Addressing the participants, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad highlighted the close association between addiction and mental health, stressing that timely psychiatric care plays a vital role in preventing relapse and improving overall quality of life. He also demonstrated simple yet effective coping strategies, including deep breathing exercises, stress management techniques, positive thinking, emotional regulation and self-care practices to help affected effectively deal with anxiety, stress and emotional challenges during recovery.
The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which the beneficiaries expressed satisfaction over the compassionate care, professional guidance and the availability of free psychiatric consultation services at DDAC Bandipora. Many described the initiative as a valuable source of motivation and confidence in their journey towards sustained recovery.
