There is a huge stigma around mental health in India, and it borders on denial. The internet connects most of the youth to the vast world of online knowledge, so they understand mental health issues. But in real life, there is a disconnect, because young people don’t have safe spaces to express themselves and heal.
With that thought in mind, the You’re Wonderful Project; was initiated to help the youth find a space they could call their own. We spoke to co-founders Akash Saxena and Akhilesh Nair to understand how the organisation works and how it helps individuals.
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How YWP; began
You’re Wonderful Project; or YWP; started after one of the founders lost a couple of their friends to suicide. The idea behind the initiative was to provide a platform to connect all those in need of mental health support with someone willing to listen.
Akhilesh Nair elaborates, “Although initially, we positioned ourselves as a suicide prevention text-based helpline, we soon realised that holding that fort required a constant and more advanced professional setup.”
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Crisis situations are best handled over telephonic conversations, so the organisation shifted their approach to “text-based peer support” with the help of volunteers. “The volunteers helped our clients in their journey of mental well-being, by constantly supporting them and connecting them to professionals. Human connection is the backbone of the organisation,” Nair states.
What is community-based healing?
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In a country like India, going to therapy is still a taboo, even though the practice is picking up steam. When families and parents refuse to let their children go to therapy because of ‘log kya kahenge,’ the youth don’t have anyone to turn to for mental health help.
“A member of a community, with just a little bit of training, can be instrumental in changing the mental health narrative,” says Akash Saxena. “We, at YWP; have tailored a peer-support training program called ‘Connect’ for the same purpose. It teaches the layperson to provide support to their community members.”
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The idea of community-led healing doesn’t take away from the need for a professional but adds to it. “There is a dearth of mental health professionals in India and peer supporters act as the necessary first responders to mental health difficulties,” says Nair, “just like basic first-aid would eliminate the need to go to a doctor for basic physical health difficulties.”
How does community-led healing help with psychological care?
Many people are moving towards a community-based approach to mental health issues. If we, as a society, could evolve to be more empathetic and accepting of differences, we could change the mental health narrative for the better, but that is not always as easy.
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“In the community-led approach, the trained supporters act as active listeners, practice empathy, and build a rapport with their fellow members. Creating a supportive environment can help mitigate stress and phases of sadness for the members,” says Nair.
“Peer supporters act as preventive and promotive caregivers,” adds Saxena. “However, there can be cases and instances when a more professional approach is required. This can happen especially when an individual shows signs of dysfunction or danger towards oneself and others. During these instances, referring them to a mental health professional becomes imperative.”
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Why it’s important to normalise therapy
We can’t always rely on peer support, friends, or family for finding happiness and inspiration. Sometimes, even if it is hard, it’s a good idea to seek professional help. This can only happen when we break the stigma and normalise therapy.
As Nair puts it, “We have to make therapy so common that it feels the same as going for a regular physical health checkup. Most individuals who receive therapy experience relief and are able to operate better in their daily lives, according to research.”
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Saxena adds, “Therapy has been linked to positive changes in the brain and body, as well as improved emotions and behaviours. There are also fewer sick days, fewer medical issues, and more job satisfaction.”
The generational shift in Indian families
There is a huge difference in the lifestyles of various generations within Indian families. “There is a gap in communication as well as understanding boundaries and the need for privacy among the parent’s generation in comparison to Generation X, Z and A. These problems get compounded by academic pressure and competition in the country,” says Nair.
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“This leaves little space for young people to talk, express and interact freely and fully without being judged or schooled. And that puts them under a lot of stress,” he adds.
Safe spaces are paramount if we want to create a society which values mental health and wellness. Helping young people express themselves without fear is the first step to take towards a world that is more content!
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