Docs vouch for enhanced interpersonal emotional regulation at AIIMS-R conclave

Dehradun: Doctors and researchers from All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Rishikesh deliberated on the importance of holistic personality development for India's youth at a national conclave on Holistic Health and Financial Wellbeing held recently.The event, organised under AIIMS-R's YUWA JOSH (Youth Upliftment & Wellness through Awareness: A Journey towards Optimism, Strength and Harmony) programme by the institute's social outreach cell, highlighted that youth development cannot be achieved in silos but requires nurturing of seven aspects of personality – physical, mental, social, spiritual, environmental, financial and digital.Medical researchers presented findings on mental health challenges faced by young people, along with the importance of financial literacy. AIIMS-R executive director Dr Meenu Singh described the conclave as a "golden opportunity" for medical students to understand holistic personality development, noting that professional demands often leave them with little time for finances planning. Referring to a recent peer-reviewed study titled "Youth wellness beyond mental health: A multi-dimensional survey in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand", lead author Dr Santosh Kumar revealed concerning statistics. "We studied 416 youth between the age group 16 and 26 and found that psychological burden is a significant concern among the youth. The study showed that 23.2% of participants experienced frequent anxiety or nervousness, while 10.8% felt burdened by academic expectations," he said.He added that 31.8% of the surveyed youth reported self-harm ideation or behaviour, with 4.3% reporting actual suicide attempts, while 45.7% of respondents reported experiencing frequent misunderstandings with family or close ones, highlighting a need for better interpersonal emotional regulation.Bringing an economic perspective, special guest and chief executive of Association of Mutual Funds of India, Venkat N Chalasani, drew a parallel between healthcare and wealth management. He advocated for early financial planning for an economically secure future. "You must practice preventive financial planning to protect yourself from future economic crises," he said.Executive director of Security Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Manoj Kumar, said doctors, as trusted professionals, "can promote financial literacy and help identify financial irregularities to support a stronger regulatory system in the country".