AWARE India, a city-based voluntary organisation that advocates for women’s safety and gender equality, has started a support forum that focuses on mental health among women.
Christened ‘Survivor Series’, the initiative is a series of peer-led support group meetings that bring together people from all walks of life to openly talk about mental health issues.
“The support group is a safe space to share personal stories about living or coping with mental health issues. Through this support group, we aim to have a conservation about mental health without any judgement but with mutual respect, acceptance and healing,” says Janani Viswanathan of AWARE.
On Sunday (February 17) AWARE is hosting a support meet for college-going women — ‘Girl! you can do mental health’ — to have a free-wheeling conversation about their everyday struggles and how that impacts their mental health.
“For college-going girls, it is a balancing act between society, family, education and relationships, which could be quite stressful. Through the forum, we hope to discuss how not to get bogged down by societal pressures and other demands, and also approach the right people to seek help,” she adds.
The three-hour long session will begin at 4 p.m. and will be moderated by trained volunteers of AWARE India and will include fun activities and interactive games and healing components such as yoga.
“Survivors of mental health issues will share their stories which will be a source of support and inspiration for others struggling with issues of their own. Those who need professional intervention will be directed to the right persons,” says Janani.
Every third Sunday, the support group will meet and talk about mental health. The venue will be informed to the registered participants only, so as to protect privacy.
This is AWARE India’s fifth support meet since November last year. The ‘Survivor Series’ was initiated as part of United Nations Women’s global movement ‘16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence’, which begins on November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women to December 10, Human Rights Day.
If you are a survivor of mental health issues and are interested in finding your field of support, please contact janani@aware.org.in or Jayashri at 91760 37815 for further details.