BY HAFSA S. AHMAD- Emotional Counselor BMI-A
We talk about mental illness like they spring up from no where. Like it does not result from a lack of awareness and support structures to sustain and improve mental wellness. We talk about tertiary mental health care; completely turning a blind eye to primary and secondary care. It is about time we looked at mental wellness in a wholesome manner by addressing the lack of support to groom and keep our mental health intact in the first place, and then move on to talk about what treatments to receive in case of an illness.
Social structures to promote mental health are paramount in this discussion. We don’t just need informal support systems in form of friends and family, we need organized professional support in educational institutions, work places, residential areas etc. We need counselors to help us develop a repertoire of necessary life skills that are indispensable to live a more meaningful life. Building on the same, a student club that goes by the name of “Mighty Minds” has been formed under the supervision of the emotional counselor at BMI-A. The entire idea of running the club is to spread awareness regarding the importance of mental health and also to impart soft skills to students that will enable them to lead a more fulfilling and healthy life.
The club has various activities lined up for the upcoming academic year that range from guest speaker talks to celebrating World Mental Health Day to Mental health camps and music therapy sessions. The club will also be helpful in terms of picking up on themes of issues amongst the students so that group counseling/ focus group session can be lead.
The initiative was the need of the hour. This however, is only the beginning of an era marked by a more empathetic and aware generation. Here is to hoping that we can raise a mentally healthier one. Godspeed to us!