Srinagar: Ahead of the World Mental Health Day observed every year on October 10, CHINAR International in collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) organized a Mental Health Awareness Session at the Community Learning Center in Pamposh Colony, Palpora. The initiative aimed to promote mental well-being, dispel stigma, and encourage open conversations about mental health within the community.
The event was attended by around 100 men and women, who participated in separate interactive counselling sessions conducted by two clinical psychologists from MSF, Toiba Zargar and Farhana Yaseen. The sessions began with breathing exercises and warm-up activities designed to help participants, particularly women, open up about the often-sensitive topic of mental health.
The program was formally inaugurated with an address by Umair Rashid, Program Associate at CHINAR International, who highlighted the importance of acknowledging mental health issues. “Our mental health is as important as our physical health, but we don’t talk about it openly because of the stigma associated with it,” he said, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and acceptance.
The first part of the session focused on identifying the causes, signs, and symptoms of mental health ailments. This was followed by discussions on risk and protective factors, and the stigma and taboos surrounding mental illnesses. Participants were urged to break the silence and seek help when needed. “If your symptoms persist for more than two weeks, don’t think it is normal, seek help immediately,” stressed clinical psychologist Toiba Zargar.
Preventive strategies were also discussed, including the importance of eight hours of sleep, reducing screen time, maintaining healthy dietary habits, practicing self-care, and consulting mental health professionals when required. Participants were informed about the availability of free counselling services at various government hospitals and health centers across the valley. It was assured that all patient identities are kept confidential.
One of the participants, Sadiya Bano, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am grateful for this session and want to congratulate the organizers. After today’s session, I got to know myself better. Sometimes it is a mental issue and we treat physical symptoms and take medicine. I won’t do that again.”
The session also shed light on various risk factors contributing to mental health challenges, including domestic violence, unemployment, and the loss of loved ones. The psychologists emphasized the community’s role in supporting individuals dealing with mental illness and highlighted the effectiveness of counselling and talk therapy, which can sometimes serve as alternatives to medication.
The event concluded with advice for participants to take proper care of their mental health, as it directly influences physical well-being. The sessions remained highly interactive and engaging, with participants sharing their thoughts and personal experiences. “We were very happy with the outcome of the event. Participants were able to identify signs and symptoms in themselves. The best thing was that many came to us and were seeking help. We could build that connection and trust with them,” Farhana Yaseen, another Clinical Psychologist said.
The initiative by CHINAR International and MSF marked a significant step toward spreading mental health awareness and encouraging open dialogue within the community of Pamposh Colony, Palpora.
