Maitra: A platform for raising awareness about mental health

In today’s fast-paced world, many people have to undergo stress-related, mental health issues. But despite that, there is still a lack of awareness in the society about its treatment. At times, people look for solutions either by communicating with friends or surfing the Internet. But, suppressing or ignoring mental distress through temporary remedies only aggravates the problem, which reappears and causes more distress and ailments like migraines and high blood pressure among other diseases.Considering that, a Mental Wellness Activity Centre called ‘Blooming Mind Studio’ initiated by Maitra Counselling has been set up in Pune to raise awareness about mental health. Through this platform, along with counselling, efforts will be made to maintain mental health through various activities.Giving more information about this, Maitra’s counsellor, Rasika Agalave said, “Some mental health issues such as feeling of loneliness, low self-esteem, constant anxiety and fear, extreme fluctuations in eating and sleeping patterns, stress in relationships or any other such problem affects daily life and its consequences are serious. But people hesitate to visit a psychiatrist, thinking what will others say and how will that help as even psychiatrists are strangers. Instead they look for information and solutions on Google, which may be confusing and in a way may add to the stress. So, considering this, we started a mental wellness activity centre where people who are under stress or experiencing some mental discomfort can visit and ease their minds on their own or with the help of available self-help worksheets and other activity materials created under the guidance of specialists.”According to Rasika, there are also various motivational books, mind games and activities, meditation and relaxation corners at the centre. The person who visits will be able to spend a lot of time in a very safe and non-judgemental environment as per their desire. The centre will also offer various counselling services at individual, marital, family and career level besides child counselling and group counselling.The activities will be available from Monday to Friday between 10 am to 6 pm at the centre which is located at Damodar Villa No. 4 near Bhandarkar Road, Lane no. 11.Also on every Saturday, there will be free group sessions on different topics for different age groups at the centre.