MHFA NEWSLETTER FOR OCTOBER

November 05, 2024??

Founder’s talk??

As we celebrate the achievements of our “Change Starts with Me” campaign, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your participation and dedication. With 50+ registrations and widespread engagement with our resources, we’ve made significant strides in prioritizing mental health in the workplace. Your enthusiasm has been inspiring, and it's evident that our collective efforts are making a difference.?

Looking ahead, I’m excited to announce our new campaign, “MO-tivate the Change,” in support of Movember and focused on Men’s Mental Well-Being. This initiative aims to foster open conversations about men's mental health and break down the stigma that often surrounds it. I encourage everyone to participate actively and utilize our upcoming resources, including posters and conversation cards, to continue this vital conversation. Together, we can make a lasting impact on mental health awareness and support!? ?

Warm regards,?

Erinda Shah,

Managing Director, MHFA India? ? ?

It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health at the Workplace: The Change Starts with Me? ? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

Campaign Overview: A Call to Action?

The urgency surrounding mental health conversations has reached a critical point, and our "Change Starts with Me" campaign has stepped up to the plate, igniting a movement within corporate environments. This initiative isn’t just about raising awareness; it’s about empowering each employee to prioritize their mental well-being and drive positive change in their workplaces. As employees, Mental Health First Aiders (MHFAiders), and members of the public, you each have a unique opportunity to lead this charge. ? ?

Celebrating Our Success?

The success of our recent campaign, “The Change Starts with Me,” has been nothing short of inspiring. With over 50+ registrations and enthusiastic participation in polls, our community came together to engage deeply with the topic of mental health. The response was overwhelming, especially regarding our resources, such as the article on comfort levels in discussing mental health at work. The downloads and discussions sparked a significant shift in how mental health is viewed within corporate spaces, reflecting a collective commitment to fostering a supportive culture.?

Our participants actively engaged with the resources we provided, downloading additional posters to share within their workplaces and communities. The campaign sparked meaningful conversations about mental well-being, inspiring practical changes and fostering a collective commitment to supportive environments. This response shows that our campaign didn’t just resonate; it motivated participants to become advocates for mental health, creating a ripple effect of positive change.?

Looking Ahead?

As we reflect on the success of this campaign, it’s clear that we are laying the groundwork for an ongoing dialogue about mental health in the workplace. The momentum we’ve built is a testament to the importance of these conversations, and we’re excited to continue our journey together. By keeping the focus on mental well-being, we can transform corporate environments into spaces where everyone feels safe and supported in their mental health journeys.?

The road ahead is bright, and with your participation, we can ensure that mental health remains a priority in every office. Let’s keep the conversation going!? ?

"Movember For Men’s Mental Well-being: "MO-tivate the Change"?

It's Time to Grow, Share, and Care for Men’s Mental Health.? ??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????

This November let’s MO-tivate the change because men’s mental well-being is as vital as their physical health. Join us in this month-long journey to break stigmas, encourage conversations, and create a supportive environment for all the men around us. Whether it’s growing a mustache or sharing a kind word, your actions can make a real difference!?

Why Men’s Mental Health Matters?

Many men struggle in silence, bottling up their emotions due to societal expectations and fear of judgment. The statistics are alarming:?

Suicide Rates: The WHO highlights that men are at a higher risk of suicide, accounting for approximately 75% of all global suicides.?

It's time to change the narrative. With the right support, education, and awareness, we can encourage men to speak up, seek help, and take care of their well-being.?

Support for Men’s Mental Health: "MO-tivate the Change"?

• Participate Now: This campaign welcomes everyone's friends, family members, colleagues, and employers. We’ve curated activities and resources that make it easy for individuals and workplaces to be part of the change.?
• Sign Up Now : Join the "MO-tivate The Change" pledge and commit to creating safe spaces where men’s mental health is prioritized.?
• Explore Mental Health Resources for Men: Access expert-designed resources, including blogs, posters, videos, and conversation starter cards to inspire meaningful dialogue.?
• Take Up the Task and Share on social media: Participate in the Grow & Show Challenge by growing a mustache throughout November and share your journey with #mhfaIndia and #MOtivateTheChange. Encourage your team to sign the Workplace Pledge.?

Make an Impact with Your Actions?

Even small actions can create ripple effects in someone’s life. Here’s how you can contribute:?

• Start a Gratitude Circle: Gather with friends or family to reflect on what you're grateful for.?

• Share Resources: Spread awareness by sharing our mental health toolkit.?

• Group Fitness Activities: Promote physical and mental health through collective activities.?

Your “MO”ment to Shine?

This Movember, let’s rewrite the story for men’s mental health. Be the reason someone feels understood, supported, and cared for. Your mustache, conversations, and care can MO-tivate the change.? [Sign Up Now] – Take the pledge, start conversations, or grow your ‘stache. Every step counts!? ?

Sneak Peek: Key Takeaways from Mannotsava 2024??

Mannotsava, India's first National Mental Health Festival, held in Bengaluru on October 26 and 27, provided the MHFA team with transformative insights into mental health advocacy. The festival featured over 40 sessions, 105 speakers, and numerous interactive stalls, creating a rich environment for learning and engagement.?

?Key Insights for MHFA?

The festival aimed to challenge mental health stigma and bring credible information to the forefront. For our team, the guided workshops and powerful panel discussions offered valuable perspectives on critical issues such as youth mental health, addiction, and chronic illness.?

Opening Ceremony?

Inaugurated by influential leaders like Rohini Nilekani, Dr. Pratima Murthy, and Professor L.S. Shashidhara, the festival emphasized the urgent need for mental health discussions, especially in the aftermath of the pandemic.?

Highlighted Sessions?

• Youth Mental Health: Addressed challenges faced by young people, equipping our team with strategies to foster community support.?

• Men’s Mental Health: This session was particularly impactful, challenging traditional masculinity norms and encouraging open dialogue about mental health, which aligns with our current campaign, “MO-tivate the Change.”?

• Women’s Mental Health: Discussed the unique pressures women face, providing insights on creating supportive environments for women’s mental well-being.?

Creative Initiatives?

The "Paint Your Feelings" canvas allowed attendees to express themselves artistically, showcasing the importance of creative outlets in mental health. Additionally, the TELEMANAS stall highlighted the necessity of early intervention, an essential takeaway for our team's future initiatives.?

With over 2,000 attendees, Mannotsava was a pivotal event for our team, reinforcing our commitment to mental health advocacy. The festival's diverse discussions and shared experiences inspired us to enhance our approach to promoting mental well-being and solidify our role as leaders in this crucial dialogue.?

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?We look forward to applying these insights in our ongoing campaigns and initiatives to create a supportive environment for mental health in all communities.?

For further details, check out the full highlights on Mannotsava 2024 .?

Mental Health First Aid Training??

We have the following upcoming trainings:??

Blended MHFA Training for Workplace ?

Enroll Now:

Getintouch ?

Thank You!?

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