Eco Minds Resilience: Bridging Disaster Response and Mental Health
In an era of increasing environmental and climatic disasters, the impact on mental health is profound and often overlooked. Recognizing this critical need, Youth for Good Nepal (YFGN) has launched Eco Minds Resilience, a groundbreaking initiative focusing on the intersection of disaster response and mental health. This program aims to provide comprehensive support to individuals and communities affected by natural disasters, integrating mental health services into disaster recovery efforts.
Building Resilience: YFGN’s Journey from Mental Health Awareness to Disaster Response
Youth for Good Nepal (YFGN) has always been committed to fostering a mentally healthy Nepal by empowering communities, raising awareness, and offering support and services. Through a variety of initiatives, YFGN has made a significant impact on mental health, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our journey began with webinars addressing the mental health challenges brought on by the pandemic. Led by Mrs. Areet Narang Bastola, one of Nepal’s leading psychiatric counselors and Chief Executive Director of the Chaitanya Institute for Mental Health, these sessions provided guidance on coping with stress, anxiety, and depression. These webinars offered practical solutions and emotional support to many, setting the foundation for our mental health initiatives.
Building on this foundation, we launched the “Wellness Exchange,” an event where participants engaged in open sessions, insightful discussions, and the heartwarming “Chino” sharing session. Derived from the Nepali word for heartfelt sharing, “Chino” encouraged participants to bring personal tokens symbolizing their mental health journeys, fostering community connections and promoting empathy.
Recognizing the growing need for mental health awareness, YFGN introduced “Healthy Minds Healthy Nepal,” a Virtual Wall of Gratitude where individuals could share acts of kindness, personal growth, and moments of joy. This digital space aimed to strengthen resilience and create a sense of community support.
Our focus on youth mental health led to the implementation of the ‘One-Year Youth Mental Health Promotion Initiative,’ aimed at raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health among youths. We also organized the Wellness Hike – Mental Health Event, promoting mental health awareness and fostering a supportive community amidst nature’s beauty.
On World Mental Health Day, we hosted seminars like “Understanding Mental Health” at the Certified College of Accountancy in Thapagaun, Kathmandu, and “Teenagers Mental Health Awareness” at New Light Secondary School in Lekhnath. These seminars provided valuable insights and practical tools for young students to navigate emotional and mental challenges.
As we continued to share reliable, research-driven information and foster open conversations about mental health, we realized the critical link between mental health and disaster resilience. The impact of natural disasters, amplified by climate change, has profound effects on mental health, highlighting the need for comprehensive support.
Connecting Disaster/Crisis and Mental Health: Launch of Eco Minds Resilience
In response, YFGN launched Eco Minds Resilience, focusing on the connection between disaster/crisis and mental health. This program provides comprehensive support to those affected by environmental and climatic disasters, integrating mental health services into disaster response and recovery.
Eco Minds Resilience includes educational workshops, community support programs, and tailored mental health services for individuals and communities recovering from disasters. By addressing both the physical and mental aspects of disaster recovery, YFGN is pioneering a holistic approach to building resilience.
Through these efforts, YFGN continues to embody our motto, “Inspiring Change and Driving Impact,” ensuring that mental health remains a priority in all aspects of community development and crisis management. Our commitment to creating meaningful solutions and fostering resilience reflects our dedication to a mentally healthy and disaster-resilient Nepal.
