by Ratandeep Chawla
Mumbai, OCT 11, 2018: Staff from Prafulta Psychological services conducted two interactive, fun-filled sessions on mental health at Tolani College of Commerce, Andheri on Mental Health Day- October 10.
The counselors - Malni, Deepal, Kalyani, Asha headed by Shalu addressed 150 first year Bachelor of Commerce students in the first session, 120 junior college students in the second session. The facilitators first established the importance of mental health and explained its significance as similar to physical health.
During an activity, the students came up with songs and dialogues to distinguish what mental health is and what is not. They came up with ‘Hum Honge Kamyaab’ as a song for mental health and a dialogue like ‘mein tera khoon pee jaoonga’ as against mental health. This activity got them more engaged in the issue, the symptoms of depression and stress. They also spoke about issues like sleep disorders, worrying too much.
The counselors spoke about the five ways to boost mental health, and they explained it as to connect, be active, keep learning, to take notice and to give. When the point of ‘take notice’ was discussed, the facilitator asked them if they had noticed the trees outside the college, to which the students said they had never observed the trees.
A student said that they are often lost in their own world to connect with people and the world. The session ended with the counselors validating the need that everyone requires help at some point or the other and it is ok to ask for it. They added that it is important for youth to reach out to friends, family, teachers and the college counsellor for further help.