Mangaluru: Anirvedha, a fully-fledged resource centre for psychological wellbeing for assessment, therapy and training, organised an hour-long session for caregivers of old age homes on Saturday May 28 as part of a year-long project to reach out to different groups that have difficulty accessing mental health. The monthly session was held under the WHO theme ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World- 2021-22.’
Anirvedha’s two teams held interactive sessions in two different old age homes to promote mental health awareness and stress management. 13 staffs took part in Paschim Rehab Charitable Trust and 20 in Snehalaya Psycho Social Rehabilitation Centre, Manjeshwara.
Speaking to NewsKarnataka Benzita Ferrao said, “the caregivers actively took part in all the activities conducted and were attentive throughout the session. They could relate the examples to their daily life and came up with many queries about how to reduce the stress in the workspace.”
When asked about the importance of holding such events she said, “Caregivers at times are very involved and forget themselves therefore being able to confide in someone often helps to head off feelings of isolation and powerlessness in overwhelmed caregivers. Those who receive regular emotional support are better equipped to prevent burnout, handle difficult care decisions and balance their own needs. learning how to understand and address stressors is one of the greatest benefits of such events.”
She further explained that mental illness is not a personal failure. “Check in with your emotional well-being. Relax, learn ways to reduce the stress that we all face-and practice what works for you: meditate, run, knit, dance, sing, write, love. Sometimes the people around you won’t understand your journey, they don’t need to, it’s not for them,” said Ferrao.
Risha Saldanha, Greeshma, Anet Babu and Nafeesathul Afeefa were the resource persons for this event.
