Speak our mind on mental illness

CHENNAI: Goodwill Tribe organised ‘Speak Your Mind Out’, an event where people who have experienced or are having mental illness shared their story about how they have overcome or coping with the issue, through storytelling and poetry. The event took place at Semmozhi Poonga Public Park on Sunday evening.

“The first step in overcoming mental illness is accepting that you have one. If you don’t respect your feelings, then how do you expect others to?” said Dharvika Ganesh, a participant. The group also discussed illnesses like eating disorder, depression and inferiority complex. They also believed that it was really important to find a good therapist.

“Stay away from people who make you feel bad about your situation. Just realise that it is okay to not be okay and you will feel much better,” said Aparna Ram, another participant.

Some also took to different hobbies to pull themselves out of the illness. “Art was the only thing that helped me when I was depressed. I threw myself into the world of art and it lifted me up,” said Neeta Jessani, interior designer.

The event was purely about empathising with each other and being non-judgmental. “In a way, it was letting people know that they are not alone and working towards accepting themselves for who they are. Basically, sending out the message that life is beautiful and is something worth fighting for,” said Thangaswathi Arumugham, Chennai chapter head, Goodwill Tribe.