On 7th April 2025, on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, Fr. C.P. Anto, Principal of NEISSR and a renowned peace advocate, addressed a diverse gathering of students, educators, and professionals on the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”
In his keynote address, Fr. Anto emphasized the profound importance of maintaining balanced mental health in today’s fast-paced and often overwhelming world. “Mental wellness is not merely the absence of illness,” he noted, “but the ability to understand, manage, and harmonize our emotional and psychological responses.” He stressed that balanced mental health is essential for living a productive, meaningful, and fulfilling life.
Fr. Anto explained the roles of two major stress hormones—adrenaline and cortisol. While necessary for responding to threats or challenges, prolonged exposure to these hormones due to chronic stress can lead to burnout, anxiety, and health complications. Adrenaline prepares the body for action, increasing heart rate and focus, but constant overproduction weakens immunity. Cortisol, while essential in regulating metabolism and inflammation, can be harmful when persistently elevated.
To promote emotional well-being, Fr. Anto introduced the concept of the four “happy hormones”: dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. These naturally occurring chemicals boost motivation, mood, emotional connection, and pleasure. He encouraged the audience to engage in daily practices such as exercise, positive social interaction, mindfulness, and gratitude to nurture these hormones.
He concluded by highlighting that mental health is a shared responsibility and crucial to building a hopeful future. Through collective effort and intentional living, he affirmed, a society rooted.
