In-mind- laying the stone for a change!
Creating learning spaces for the younger generation to learn, share, and make Mental Health a part of everyday life.
In conversation with Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States of America, mentions how the present generation has been raised more open-minded. However, the cycle did not complete as some conversations that became a part of the dinner table could not become part of the larger world. Many values taught to the new generation could not be institutionalised and taken beyond the dinner table.
Thinking about India, something contrary happens to be the reality. In the recent past, some values have become a part of the institutions and legislation. However, they have failed to become a part of the dinner table conversation in most households. Mental Health is one such conversation. Institutionalisation may have taken place with the advent of legislation, but India is still behind due to a lack of awareness, understanding, and acceptance. When the roots are weak, the stem is bound to shatter, sooner or later.
The need to make it a part of our everyday conversations exists more than ever today. However, not many accept the absence as a problem. The face-off with this reality gave way to an idea that soon took the shape of In-mind.
The Thought Behind In-mind
A simple thought initiated In-mind’s journey, the idea of helping younger ones live a better life. When the idea was shared, there was a curiosity to know more, but the sad part lies in curiosity’s origin. It did not stem from the stigma but the lack of understanding of the word Mental Health. The difference between the two is about its presence. When there is a stigma, the word exists but is not said out loud. When there is a lack of understanding, it does not even exist.
We aim to make Mental Health a comfortable topic to talk about with children. We aim to design lessons, helping them break the concept of Mental Health their way and understand its importance. We believe in what is said — there is no age to learn. As In-mind spreads its wings, we do not want to restrict ourselves to children but open up learning spaces for adults too. We believe that willingness to learn and a hand to help us build our way is all one needs in the end.
Our Vision
In-mind believes in education and its power to create changemakers and keep the waves of change crashing and building again. Our objective is to use education to create awareness about something essential and necessary at this very moment. Tracing back to the year 2020, the horrors of which still haunt some, a realisation that surfaced in our lives is the need to understand Mental Health as an essential element of overall health. Another realisation from the year is that Mental Health issues are not specific to any age, class, or gender. They exist, for anyone and everyone.
Through In-mind, we want to make sure that the realisation does not fade away with time without action. Our vision is to create an active intervention in the education and the lessons our younger generation is receiving by creating a conducive atmosphere for learning about Mental Health and working together to erase the stigma around it.
Education is meant not only for children but for every individual open to learning. We aim to reach out to children as the stem of the plant to branch out towards other beneficiaries like parents, teachers, and guardians.
Why In-mind
The dream to build this idea stems from the space in which most generations have grown up. While education got better, it could not help many win the battle against their mental struggle. What has been more helpful to sail through the storm was acceptance, within and outside.
The reason behind starting this will always be at the heart of our work. Our intervention is not just in terms of knowledge and awareness but creativity and interactive learning. Our way of teaching is the way with which our learners can learn the best. We are more focused on learning in a dynamic group than teaching in a set manner.
Our experience says -
Younger children learn faster with activities and storytelling. The older ones need activities and storytelling, coupled with reflection.
We design every workshop from scratch after careful consideration of the participants. The process of designing and preparation involves thorough brainstorming on the concepts and the words to be used so that it becomes a comfortable space to learn together.
The workshops are held on a virtual platform. However, we refrain from using the screen as a medium to teach. We use it only to turn the virtual space into a space close to a physical learning space. As we adjust to the new normal, we aim towards creating a balance of creative and interactive physical and virtual learning spaces.
What is in Our Mind
A vision and some dreams to walk on the path of change, not alone but with the young minds, we work. Our idea of change is more about creating a ripple effect than laying a standard road to follow. We aim to lead to help build more leaders.
In-mind believes in making Mental Health a part of the dinner table conversations in one of the most depressed countries of the world — India.
We have braced ourselves for the challenges on the way, for we know the path of change is tricky and uncertain. The realisation will help us learn and grow to make the lives of the younger ones better.
Alone, we can. Together, we will.
Let us change the way we see Mental Health. Let us create its value for what it is worth in our lives. Let us help someone live a better life than we had and could.
Get in touch to help build a new world together through our unique workshops.
In-mind
Crafting the way towards Mental Health
Contact us at — inmind.mentalhealth@gmail.com| LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook
This article was edited by Atotmyr.