NIMHANS launches Community Connect to bring mental health conversations into the open

To reduce stigma and foster emotional well-being by bringing mental health conversations into the open and public spaces, the Department of Mental Health Education at NIMHANS launched a unique initiative on Saturday.

The public engagement initiative “Community Connect”, being organised in collaboration with the Departments of Psychiatric Social Work and Clinical Pharmacology and Neurotoxicology at NIMHANS and the Horticulture Department, was inaugurated by NIMHANS director Pratima Murthy at Lalbagh Botanical Gardens.

Twelve events

The event marked the beginning of a series of 12 events that will be held once a month at Lalbagh, said K.S. Meena, professor and head of the Department of Mental Health Education. Each edition will focus on themes like resilience, empathy, help-seeking behaviour, coping skills, and more — making mental health a visible, regular, and normalised part of public life, she said.

“We will have one mental health expert from NIMHANS speak at the monthly events to reduce stigma and foster emotional well-being,” she said.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Murthy said there is a need to take mental health conversations outside hospital walls to the public spaces where people gather, reflect, and connect. “Community Connect is about creating informal, welcoming spaces where individuals feel safe to speak, share, and listen without fear of judgment,” she said.

Around 100 participants participated in open discussions and shared reflections on emotional well-being, coping mechanisms, and the value of community support.

“The mind is like a pressure cooker. We must allow safe outlets for feelings, thoughts, and behaviours,” said Dr. Murthy, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes, journaling, physical exercise, and creative expression in maintaining mental well-being.

Sleep is no luxury

She also emphasised the importance of sleep hygiene, time management, self-affirmation, and seeking professional support when needed. “Sleep is not a luxury - it is a necessity. Regulating our sleep, managing our time, and caring for ourselves allows us to care for others.”

The event touched upon the role of family and friends in mental health, the influence of media and movies, and the need to counter self-labelling and stigma. Dr. Murthy  also highlighted the value of psychological first aid, noting that “being non-judgmental, listening actively, and offering compassion are the first steps to healing.”