Mental Health Week activities (5-10 October 2020 )

“This feeling will pass. The fear is real but the danger is not.” Cammie McGovern

At the initiative of the World Federation for Mental Health, 10 October is dedicated to raising awareness about mental health issues and to fight the stigma associated with it. This year's theme is ' Mental Health for All'

The students of The Indian School-Second Shift participated in numerous activities through the week of 5-10 October 2020 to ingrain a better awareness of mental health. The activities ranged from mindful meditation, a poster- making competition, a webinar, ‘ Mental  Health Awareness ’ and a storytelling session on Kindness. 

Each day of this special week, the virtual classes began with an age-appropriate mindfulness meditation session in all the classes..These exercises help to increase an awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings to reduce anxiety and stress, especially during the current pandemic situation.

Teachers at all the levels addressed the students on mental health issues, the stigma associated with it and various strategies which students can adopt to deal with anxiety and stress. These can include controlling negative thoughts, engaging in a hobby, exercise, making lifestyle changes and seeking professional help when required.

Students of Pre-School and Pre – Primary section enthusiastically participated in activities like       ‘ Wheel of Choices’ and ‘Chillax with Breathing Buddies.’ They expressed their feelings and emotions, drawing emoticons and a colouring activity.

The students of class 1 observed Mental Health Awareness Week by with guided meditation through square breathing. They also engaged in an activity named ‘Affirmation Mirror’, wherein, they decorated a mirror frame and wrote positive affirmations around it. By looking at their own reflections in the mirror as they read the written affirmations, the students were prompted to perceive their self worth in terms of their own unique and special qualities.

Class 2 designed posters themed 'Kindness'. The tempo of the celebrationd was maintained by an exuberant story telling session by TFS parent  Ms Kumud Dass. She sensitively conveyed to the students that kindness is about giving away something that we need. Students assembled a kindness jar and shared the 'kindness hearts' they collected.

Students of class III did a ‘ Rendering Session of Kindness  ’ where the students articulated their appreciation of what they have learnt from their friends. They also wrote heartfelt letters to their families thanking them for their unconditional love.

The students of class IV designed and painted colourful posters on the theme, “Happy Classroom” and “Family bonding during COVID times”.  

The students of class V were shown a video on the importance of mental health followed by an activity wherein the students shared their experiences and thoughts about the importance of mental health.

The students of class VI had a story telling session on ‘Kindness ’ followed by an activity wherein students wrote poems and slogans relating to the story.

The students of classes VI and VII were shown a Ted Talk video followed by a  discussion on the importance of mental health. The session concluded with activities like the 'Anger Barometer' and ' Happify' which helped the students identify the triggers and the cooling down factors to help manage angry reactions.

The students of classes V- VIII also participated in an interactive webinar on Mental Health Awareness by Dr Deepika Dahima, specialist, on 7 October 2020. The students were made aware of the positive effects of good mental health through various activities to make them self-analyse the need for mental health to create a lasting change.

A week filled with awareness – building exercises thus, reinforced the message that mental illness is not something to be ashamed of. There is no shame in talking about it and addressing it. A padlet was created in which the various activities done through the important week were put together. The link for the same is https://padlet.com/harpreetkaur10/ilxeq5t3n0dgu0j . 

“ Anything human is mentionable, anything that is mentionable can be more manageable.”