Description

The Rotaract Club of Jyoti Nivas College, in collaboration with the Rotaract Club of Mount Carmel, Rotaract Club of Indore Activists, and Rotaract Club of Jain Evening College, organized a workshop titled “Behind the Fog Ep1: Through New Eyes” to foster a deeper understanding of mental health and break the barriers surrounding it. The workshop aimed to educate participants about the importance of mental health, reduce the stigma associated with it, and promote open discussions on mental well-being. The workshop featured Ms. Parimala Guruprasad, a seasoned mental health professional with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Delhi University. Ms. Guruprasad is also pursuing a PhD in Adolescent Mental Health from MS Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences. With her extensive experience as a counselor, faculty member, freelance writer, and former Head of the Psychology Department at Seshadripuram Degree College, she brought invaluable expertise to the session. Her career as a career guidance counselor also provided a unique perspective on adolescent mental health. The central theme of the workshop was to demystify mental health, challenge the stigma around it, and emphasize its importance as an integral part of overall well-being. Ms. Guruprasad discussed the challenges individuals face in acknowledging mental health issues, often influenced by societal pressures and fears of judgment. She also highlighted the psychological effects of stress, anxiety, and other conditions, particularly in adolescents and young adults. By using relatable examples and real-life scenarios, Ms. Guruprasad made complex psychological concepts accessible to the audience. Self-awareness and empathy were key takeaways from the workshop. Ms. Guruprasad encouraged participants to adopt healthy coping strategies, such as mindfulness, regular physical activity, and seeking professional help when necessary. She also stressed the importance of building supportive communities where mental health discussions are normalized, fostering an environment where people can openly seek help without fear of stigma. The workshop successfully raised awareness about mental health and equipped participants with the knowledge to understand and address these challenges. It served as the first of a series of workshops, with follow-up sessions planned to dive deeper into specific mental health topics. These sessions will expand the outreach and incorporate feedback to make future workshops even more impactful.