On 28th March 2025, a Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Well-being session was organised at Auxilium Skill Academy in collaboration with YUVA India. This session aimed to educate children about the importance of mental health, emotional resilience, and how they can support themselves and their loved ones in times of need.

The session was conducted by Ms Vanita Salunke from YUVA India, who engaged the children through an informative PowerPoint presentation. From Auxilium Skill Academy, Ms Stella Mary, the Centre Incharge, along with three other staff members, participated actively in the session.

This interactive workshop provided valuable insights into mental health, emotional well-being, and the small yet meaningful actions children can take to create a positive impact within their families.

Understanding Mental Health: Why It Matters

Mental health is often misunderstood, yet it is just as vital as physical health. It influences our thoughts, emotions, and daily interactions. Ms Vanita explained to the children that good mental health helps individuals handle stress, build relationships, and make sound decisions.

Many people associate mental health only with illness, but it is much more than that. Mental well-being means feeling good about oneself, managing emotions effectively, and coping with challenges positively. Ms Vanita encouraged the children to be mindful of their own feelings and to seek help whenever they feel overwhelmed.

Some key aspects of good mental health discussed during the session included:
✔ Confidence and self-esteem – Believing in oneself and having a positive self-image.
✔ Healthy emotional expression – Understanding and managing feelings constructively.
✔ Strong social connections – Building meaningful relationships with friends and family.
✔ Resilience – Developing the ability to overcome setbacks and move forward.

Helping Loved Ones in Difficult Times

Ms Vanita emphasised the importance of recognising when friends, family members, or loved ones are struggling with their mental health. She encouraged the children to be more observant and empathetic.

She explained that sometimes, people do not openly express their struggles, and it becomes crucial to offer them support. Simple actions such as listening without judgement, offering words of encouragement, and being present can make a significant difference in someone’s life.

The children were encouraged to:

✅ Check in on their friends and siblings – A simple “Are you okay?” can mean a lot.
✅ Be patient and kind – Not everyone can express their emotions easily.
✅ Encourage seeking help – If someone is struggling, they should speak to a trusted adult.

This discussion helped the children understand that mental health support is not just about professionals—it is about the community, family, and friends offering care and kindness.

The Emotional Struggles of Mothers: A Lesson in Empathy

One of the most impactful moments of the session was when Ms Vanita spoke about the daily emotional struggles of mothers. She explained how mothers juggle multiple responsibilities, including financial worries, household chores, family expectations, and ensuring their children’s happiness.

Children were asked to reflect on the immense effort their mothers put in daily. Ms Vanita encouraged them to:
✔ Take time to talk to their mothers – A small conversation can lighten her stress.
✔ Express gratitude – A simple “Thank you” can make her feel valued.
✔ Help in small ways – Assisting with household chores can ease her burden.
✔ Show love and affection – A hug or kind words can bring joy to her day.

This segment helped children develop a sense of responsibility and empathy towards their family members, fostering a culture of kindness and emotional support at home.

Practical Steps for Emotional Well-being

Maintaining good mental health requires daily self-care practices. Ms Vanita shared simple but effective ways for children to take care of their mental well-being:

🌿 Stay Active – Playing outdoors, exercising, or engaging in sports helps relieve stress.
🍏 Eat Nutritious Food – A healthy diet contributes to better mood and energy levels.
🛌 Get Enough Sleep – A well-rested mind improves focus and emotional stability.
✍ Express Emotions Creatively – Writing, drawing, or even speaking helps process feelings.
💙 Reach Out for Support – Talking to a trusted person helps in difficult times.

Children were also encouraged to practice mindfulness—being aware of their thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them. Deep breathing, meditation, and spending time in nature were suggested as useful techniques to calm the mind.

Breaking the Stigma Around Mental Health

One of the most important discussions in the session was about breaking the stigma around mental health issues. Many people hesitate to seek help due to fear of judgement or societal taboos. Ms Vanita stressed that mental health struggles are normal and asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

She encouraged children to:
✔ Talk openly about their feelings – It is okay to feel sad, angry, or anxious sometimes.
✔ Support their friends without judgement – Being a good listener can change someone’s life.
✔ Educate others – Sharing knowledge about mental health helps create awareness.

The children understood that seeking help from a teacher, parent, or counsellor is not something to be ashamed of. Rather, it is the first step towards healing and growth.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Healthier Mind

The Mental Health Awareness and Emotional Well-being session at Auxilium Skill Academy was an enlightening experience for all participants. The children actively engaged in discussions, learned valuable lessons about emotional resilience, and understood their role in supporting themselves and others.

By the end of the session, the children took away key learnings, including:
✔ The importance of mental health and emotional well-being.
✔ How to recognise and support those struggling with mental health challenges.
✔ The significance of family support, especially towards mothers and caregivers.
✔ Practical steps to maintain emotional balance and a positive mindset.

Mental health is not just an individual concern—it is a shared responsibility. By fostering a culture of compassion, awareness, and emotional strength, we can create a future where everyone, especially young minds, feels safe, heard, and valued.

🌟 Let’s work together to build a world where mental well-being is a priority for all! 💙😊