Mental Health Awareness
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community. Sessions on 5 main pillars/ Topics conducted at the Karnataka Public school. The duration of the
session was 1 hour 30 minutes.
Objectives:
● Increase their understanding about mental health.
● Decrease bullying incidents and strengthen peer ties.
● Give them coping skills to deal with Good touch – bad touch, Bullying, Depression, Anxiety and Self-esteem.
● Establish a supportive and caring environment for them throughout the session.
Session Details:
Date – 17th December 2024
Venue – Karnataka Public School. Sessions were held within the School.
Address – Karnataka Public school, Ayyappa Layout, Hebbal, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560024
Participants – 250 to 300 students attended the sessions.
Facilitators –
1. Good touch-Bad touch – Shishir & Kavya
2. Bullying – Kavya
3. Depression – Shishir
4. Anxiety – Kavya & Neel
5. Self-esteem – Shishir
Conclusion – Sneha
Content Summary:
The session began with the Introduction about our Metanoia Kleos Empowerment Foundation (MKEF) and how it started from working with children, teenagers & young adults emotional and mental health.
Our programs focused on building resilience, fostering positive relationships, and addressing the key issues of Good touch – Bad touch, Bullying, Depression, Anxiety and Self-esteem.
Coping Strategies:
● Relaxation techniques, including breathing exercises, Grounded techniques and mindfulness activities.
● Encouraging self-care habits such as drawing, exercise, active participation in sports and developing new hobbies.
Understanding about good touch & bad touch:
● A child-friendly explanation of good touch bad touch and its effects on the mind and body.
● Importance of seeking help when feeling overwhelmed or distressed.
Feedback and Observation
● School authority welcomed us with a good introduction speech.
● Staff Teachers were Interactive throughout sessions.
● Children’s Response: The children showed great enthusiasm throughout the workshop. Many expressed that they felt more comfortable discussing their emotions and were appreciative of learning about mental health.
● Staff Feedback: The school teachers reported that the workshop was both informative and engaging, and they felt better equipped to support the children’s mental health needs moving forward. Staff members also asked us to conduct the individual counseling sessions for students.
Conclusion
The Mental Health Awareness Workshop was a successful initiative in promoting mental well-being among the children at the orphanage. The session provided them with essential tools for identifying the difference between good touch & bad touch, bullying, depression, Anxiety and Low Self-esteem. Going forward, the Staff teachers requested us to conduct individual counseling sessions for ensuring the students have continuous access to mental health awareness.