Oct 19 - 25 - 2024 - The Examiner (Pg 18)

The COVID-19 pandemic shone a strong light on the innumerable mental health problems that debilitate the lives of individuals across all age groups, social strata, and sectors of society. This observation is strongly supported by the WHO 2022 "World Mental Health Report - Transforming Mental Health for All" which indicated a 25% increase in cases of depression and anxiety.

Health Promotion Trust (HPT) recognised the severity of the pandemic-induced mental health crisis which affected everyday social interactions as well as people's livelihoods, and highlighted the importance of educating vulnerable target groups on ways to prevent mental and emotional breakdowns. HPT observed that the youth in Mumbai, Dharavi Island, and Raigad district are a group most at risk for anxiety, depression, and stress resulting from social isolation, inevitably leading to self-destructive behaviour, including substance abuse, and in severe instances, suicide.

In response, HPT embarked on a mission to inspire individuals to assume accountability for their personal health and well-being. As a first step, HPT identified and mobilised youth within the Archdiocese of Bombay for a mental health sensitisation programme. The goal was to empower them to learn strategies to manage mental health challenges, while also encouraging them to promote mental well-being among peers in their respective parish youth groups.

Since mental health problems are increasingly affecting youth aged 15 to 25, HPT enrolled nearly 100 youth from eight parishes of Dharavi Island in a workshop on 'Understanding and Promoting Mental Health Care' held on September 29, 2024. Mr Sachin Chitambaran, founder of The Connect Hut, conducted the workshop. His organisation is dedicated to promoting various mental well-being initiatives. The attendees received a certificate of participation. Fr Rocky Banz, Director of the Health Promotion Trust, thanked the youth for their wholehearted investment in the workshop and expressed hope that they would not only be responsible for their mental well-being, but also develop support systems to help foster their personal growth and overall health.

HPT recognises that a limited understanding about mental health, the associated stigma and a reluctance to discuss the topic are major obstacles to spreading awareness. Globally, there are 1.8 billion youth within the 10 to 24 age range, of which India has the largest number - 356 million. This has made it imperative for organisations like HPT to persist in providing affordable and accessible community-oriented mental health services and prevention programmes geared towards the needs of our youth.

Fr Rocky Banz, Director, Health Promotion Trust

Source - the Examiner