By Fr Godfrey D’Sa for BIS Mumbai

Mental health plays a vital role in shaping how we think, feel, and act. It influences how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Recognizing this, the United Nations has declared October 10 as World Mental Health Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental well-being. While dedicating one day is a significant step, mental health is something we must nurture and protect every day of the year.

At Prafulta – Centre for Psychological Wellness, Andheri, we believe in deepening this awareness. That’s why, every year, we dedicate the entire month of October to promoting mental health through a series of engaging and meaningful initiatives. Through workshops, social media outreach, community programs, and partnerships, we aim to reach people across all age groups—children, adolescents, adults, and senior citizens—to help them understand and prioritize their mental well-being.

This year, our spotlight is on the youth aged 16 and above, a group that faces unique emotional and psychological challenges in today’s fast-paced, high-pressure world. To support them, we have introduced a special, interactive program called “Vibe Check – Master Your Mood.” This 90-minute session, offered free of cost to youth groups, is designed to help young people recognize, understand, and manage their emotions in a healthy manner. Through engaging conversations, reflective activities, and practical strategies, the program equips youth with the tools they need to build emotional resilience. Several youth groups have already signed up, and we hope to reach at least 1,000 young individuals through this initiative in October alone.

In addition to “Vibe Check,” our Mental Health Month calendar features a wide range of programs tailored to different audiences. These include:

· Short video clips addressing common emotional challenges such as anger, anxiety, and mood disorders.

· Silver Talkies, a reflective and supportive program curated especially for senior citizens

· A gathering of psychologists, creating a platform for mental health professionals to share insights and best practices

· Dance Movement Therapy sessions, using the power of movement to promote emotional expression and healing

· Workshops on Career Paths and Mental Well-being, helping individuals align professional growth with psychological wellness

These initiatives reflect our belief that mental health is not just the absence of illness, but the presence of balance, purpose, and joy in one’s life.

Good mental health enables us to be creative, face life’s ups and downs with strength, take initiative, and build meaningful relationships. It helps us remain calm during life’s storms, bounce back from failure, and resolve misunderstandings with maturity. With strong mental wellness, life becomes not a problem to solve—but an adventure to experience.

This Mental Health Month, let’s come together to break the stigma, spread awareness, and empower ourselves and others to live mentally healthy lives—today and every day.