27th February 2025 – Mental health is a fundamental aspect of overall well-being, yet it often remains neglected, especially among children. To create awareness and encourage a better understanding of mental well-being, YUVA India, in collaboration with Janvi Charitable Trust, Chandivali, Sakinaka, Mumbai, organised a Mental Health Awareness Session.

The session was facilitated by Ms Vanita Salunke from YUVA India, with Mr Vijay Powar also representing the organisation. Ms Aaradhana, the Centre In-Charge of Janvi Charitable Trust, warmly welcomed the team and ensured the smooth execution of the session.

This initiative aimed to educate children about the importance of emotions, how mental health impacts daily life, and the significance of taking care of one’s mind just as much as the body. The session provided a platform for open discussions, helping children understand their emotions and learn the importance of a positive mindset.

Understanding Emotions and Mental Well-being

The session focused on helping children identify and acknowledge their emotions. Emotions are a natural part of life, and recognising them plays a vital role in mental well-being. The discussion emphasised that just as we take care of our physical health, we must also look after our emotional and mental health.

Ms Vanita explained the significance of different emotions and how they influence our thoughts and actions. She reassured the children that it is perfectly normal to experience happiness, sadness, anger, or confusion, and what truly matters is how we handle these emotions.

She further explained that emotions guide us. When we are happy, we feel energised and positive. When we feel sad or angry, it is a sign that something needs attention. Understanding and expressing emotions in a healthy way helps build strong relationships and a balanced mindset.

The session encouraged children to talk about their feelings, helping them realise that their emotions are valid and that there is always support available when needed.

The Importance of Mental Health

The discussion further highlighted the connection between mental and physical health. Ms Vanita explained that when we feel good inside, our overall health improves. Just as we need nutritious food and exercise to keep our body strong, we also need positive thoughts and emotional well-being to keep our mind healthy.

She used a simple comparison, explaining that our mind is like a garden. When we water the plants and remove weeds, the garden flourishes. Similarly, when we nourish our mind with kindness, positivity, and good thoughts, it stays healthy. But if we let negative emotions take over without addressing them, they can affect our happiness.

This explanation helped the children understand that mental health is something that must be actively taken care of, just like physical health.

How to Maintain Good Mental Health

To promote a better understanding of mental well-being, the session covered practical ways to maintain good mental health.

• Talking about feelings – Sharing emotions with a trusted person, like a parent, teacher, or friend, helps lighten the mind.
• Engaging in enjoyable activities – Playing, drawing, or listening to music can boost happiness.
• Eating a balanced diet – Healthy food provides energy not just for the body but also for the mind.
• Getting proper sleep – Rest is essential for emotional well-being and overall focus.
• Practising relaxation techniques – Taking deep breaths or stepping away from stressful situations helps calm the mind.

Mr Vijay Powar encouraged the children to reflect on their own ways of dealing with emotions, reinforcing that every individual experiences emotions differently, but what truly matters is how we respond to them.

The Power of Kindness and Positivity

Another key takeaway from the session was the impact of kindness on mental well-being. When we treat ourselves and others with kindness, we create an environment of support, trust, and happiness.

Ms Vanita emphasised that being kind to others is like spreading sunshine. When we help a friend, say kind words, or show appreciation, we not only make others feel good but also bring happiness into our own lives.

The session concluded with the idea that mental well-being is strengthened through positive relationships, open conversations, and small acts of kindness.

A Meaningful Impact

As the session came to an end, the children left with a greater understanding of mental health and emotional awareness. They learnt that:

• Emotions are natural and should be expressed in a healthy way.
• Talking about feelings helps us feel lighter and understood.
• Mental health is as important as physical health.
• Kindness and positivity contribute to overall happiness.

This collaboration between YUVA India and Janvi Charitable Trust demonstrated the importance of making mental health awareness a priority, especially among young minds. By creating safe spaces for conversations and education, we can ensure that children grow up with the knowledge and confidence to take care of their emotional well-being.

The session was not just a moment of learning but a step towards building a community that values mental health and supports one another.

Before leaving, one child expressed, I learnt that it is okay to feel different emotions and that I should talk about them when I need help.

And that, truly, is a lesson worth remembering.