“Day of Silence” at TNMU

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, the Department of Psychiatry, Narcology, and Medical Psychology at TNMU organized a “Day of Silence” on May 23, 2025, in the university library reading room. This initiative is a part of the national mental health program “How Are You?” launched by the First Lady Olena Zelenska.

Lecturers, students, and interns gathered to pause the noise of information, conversations, and expectations — and finally begin listening to themselves.

During the “Mirror” exercise, participants selected metaphorical images and used them to reflect on their emotional states.

Another activity, “What Does My Silence Say?”, invited introspection through open-ended questions about one’s inner voice, silence, memories, and emotions.

In addition, experts from the department conducted a session of autogenic relaxation — a gentle somatic practice designed to help participants ground themselves and reconnect with the present moment.

presence, offering each person the opportunity to experience the deep resonance of communal stillness.

This was the first event devoted to silence, but certainly not the last. Faculty members noted a growing interest in depth and mindfulness, and they plan to host a series of similar events in the future.