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Tag: mental health

  • Social media influencers are reshaping India’s wellness culture, Ipsos finds

    Social media influencers are reshaping India’s wellness culture, Ipsos finds

    MUMBAI: Social media influencers are no longer just selling protein shakes and yoga mats. They are increasingly setting the tone for how Indians think about diet, fitness and mental health. A new Ipsos Market Essentials study shows that across generations, people are tuning into influencers for health advice, from smoothie recipes to sleep hacks.

    Millennials top the charts, with 81 per cent saying they pick up health and dietary trends from influencers, closely followed by Gen X (76 per cent) and Gen Z (74 per cent). Even among boomers—traditionally thought sceptical of online chatter—a striking 57 per cent admitted to drawing wellness cues from influencer feeds.
    “Influencers with credible qualifications and relevant expertise have cemented their position as trusted voices in health and wellness,” said  MSU Global Ipsos senior vice president Allyson Leavy.

    Yet the same platforms that dispense health wisdom are also fuelling unease. More than half of Gen Z (54 per cent) confessed to feeling anxious about the negative effects of social media on wellbeing. The worry is less pronounced among millennials (47 per cent), Gen X (37 per cent) and boomers (28 per cent). The tension underlines the double-edged nature of social media: a source of connection and information, but also of misinformation, comparison and stress.

    India paints a paradoxical picture. A robust 71 per cent of Indians say they feel good about themselves mentally and physically—far higher than the global average, where only one in two citizens express such satisfaction. But optimism coexists with strain. Nearly half (47 per cent) of Indians report that stress is embedded in their daily lives, mirroring global patterns where 50 per cent of respondents feel the same.

    Helplessness in the face of global crises is another unifying theme. 61 per cent of Indians, identical to the global average, admitted to anguish over challenges that feel too large to solve—whether climate change, geopolitical turmoil or economic uncertainty.

    Asked about their biggest health concerns, Indians singled out “mental vitality”—a catch-all for sharper focus, resilience and energy. Some 59 per cent cited it as their top priority. The specific complaints: low energy (32 per cent), mental health struggles (29 per cent), fatigue (16 per cent) and insomnia (13 per cent).

    Global citizens echoed these worries, with 57 per cent prioritising mental vitality. But fatigue (26 per cent) and insomnia (29 per cent) registered at higher levels globally than in India, suggesting that Indians, while stressed, may be faring marginally better on rest and recovery.

    “The July edition of our tracker offers a deep dive into health and wellness by age group and consumer cohort—a goldmine for marketers tailoring their communication,” said Ipsos India group service line leader market strategy and understanding Archana Gupta. She added that previous editions explored leisure travel, examining motivations, preferred destinations and the very definition of leisure—whether adventure, luxury or immersive experiences.

    Ipsos conducts the Market Essentials survey across 15 countries including India, the US, the UK, Germany, China, Japan and Brazil. Around 1,000 respondents are sampled in large markets, 500 in smaller ones. In India, the sample skews more urban, affluent and connected than the general population.

    Results are presented as a “global country average” rather than a world total, since large parts of the global population remain outside the survey. Ipsos notes that its online polls carry a credibility interval of +/-3.5 percentage points.

  • Juleo-YouGov report: Two in three users never meet matches in person

    Juleo-YouGov report: Two in three users never meet matches in person

    Mumbai: Juleo in partnership with YouGov, surveyed over 1,000 singles from the top eight Indian cities to understand the current trends in Indian matchmaking. The Juleo-YouGov Indian Matchmaking 2024 Report reveals key insights on the challenges singles face, including the lack of in-person meetings, safety concerns, and the mental health impact of using dating and matrimony apps.

    The report shows that two out of three individuals who use dating or matrimony apps and websites have never met their matches in person, indicating a lack of real-life connections. Common reasons include the inability to find suitable profiles and ghosting.

    An alarming 78 per cent of female respondents reported encountering fake profiles on these platforms. Women express a strong desire for better privacy controls, with 74 per cent of all respondents stating that their profiles should only be visible to those they choose. Additionally, 82 per cent of women believe government ID verification is necessary for dating or matrimonial platforms, emphasising the need for safety measures.

    The report also highlights the emotional and psychological toll of online matchmaking. Nearly half of all respondents experience mental health challenges from using these platforms. The pressure to make a great first impression is significant, with 62 per cent feeling stressed to maintain witty conversations. Furthermore, three out of four women feel overwhelmed by their experiences on dating or matrimony apps. The endless swiping feature adds to their woes, with 70 per cent finding it futile.

    Clinical psychologist & TEDx speaker, Kamna Chhibber commented, “Relationships are challenging in modern times. The availability of too many choices and options can become a deterrent in building significant partnerships. Additionally, safety can get compromised as individuals seek to contact and meet more people. Building mechanisms for exploring relationships in a manner that is safe and which protects them – physically, emotionally and psychologically – is critical.”

    Juleo’s founder-CEO, Varun Sud said, “The report shares the deep pain faced by the youth today in pursuit of love. Face-to-face conversations and in-person meetings form the core foundation of genuine relationships. Milne se hi baat banti hai. We have hence started a global movement through Juleo to change how singles find love in a safe, trustworthy and responsible manner.”

  • 82 per cent Indians see TV/OTT impact on mental health perception: Survey

    82 per cent Indians see TV/OTT impact on mental health perception: Survey

    Mumbai: Cinema influences culture with the power to shape perception and impact societal beliefs, cinema remains a catalyst to drive cultural change. Mental well-being in recent years has gained some prominence in broadcast content but the need to make it a more proactive conversation continues. To address this, ITC Fiama’s recent survey highlights the need to explore a more positive portrayal of mental well-being in cinema and entertainment.

    The Feel Good with Fiama Mental Well-being Survey, 2023 revealed that better portrayal of mental health in cinema would influence perceptions and drive conversations – 82 per cent of the survey respondents felt that TV/OTT can be instrumental in influencing perceptions about mental health, 77 per cent believed that TV/Movies and OTT content can drive mental health conversations. To augment the conversation further and help influence perceptions at scale, in a first in the cinema and TV/OTT content awards fraternity in India, ITC Fiama collaborated with India’s premier film platform Filmfare to announce a special recognition for the sensitive portrayal of mental health in cinema.

    At the Filmfare OTT Awards 2023, ITC Fiama and Filmfare announced this special recognition and in its debut year, it was deservedly won by Director Anvita Dutt for her sensitive portrayal of intergenerational mental health issues in her critically acclaimed film ‘Qala’.

    A Filmfare representative, states, “Filmfare is a pioneer and has many firsts to its credit. With the power cinema holds to break the stigma around mental health, we are elated to have collaborated with ITC Fiama to acknowledge the movie ‘Qala’. It is a step forward in the direction of sparking a dialogue around a sensitive subject. We hope that the recognition encourages more filmmakers and content creators to initiate more conversations around the subject.”

    Commenting on the win of her film ‘Qala’ and the need for positive portrayal of mental health in cinema, Director Anvita Dutt said, “I really like stories where women save themselves. But sometimes we have to tell stories where they can’t. We therefore spin yarns that are thinly disguised veils over such uncomfortable truths, hoping that people understand and recognize it as a cry of help. That is what I tried to do with my story and I thank ITC Fiama and Filmfare for appreciating the intent behind my film. We often forget to ask for help, not knowing there are people on the other side willing to provide it, even if it’s you, yourself.”

    ITC Limited divisional chief executive personal care products business Sameer Satpathy adds, “Cinema has been instrumental in shaping beliefs and perception in society, making it intrinsic to our culture. Our effort to make mental health a more proactive conversation continues with the first-ever special award for the portrayal of mental health in the movies. The collaboration with Filmfare marks a significant step for Fiama to reinforce our commitment to raise awareness on mental well-being and encourage positive conversations around it.”

    ITC Fiama in collaboration with The Minds Foundation, has also launched its first Virtual Clinic. The Virtual Clinic is designed to enable affordable access to mental health therapy delivered by licensed professionals. It is an appropriate platform that encourages individuals to seek help in an intimate virtual space without the fear of embarrassment or the prevailing stigma. The MINDS Foundation has specially put together a team of highly qualified therapists for the Virtual Clinic, thereby, offering expert advice, therapy, and counselling at the convenience of one’s privacy.

    Register here for a professionally qualified therapist consultation from Minds Foundation at an affordable fee of just Rs 300/- per session.

    The ITC Feel Good with Fiama Mental Wellbeing Survey 2023 was conducted with 800 men and women between the ages of 16-45 years across Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bangalore. The survey was conducted by NeilsenIQ in September 2023.

  • “Mental health, once a taboo, is gradually finding its place in open conversations”: Prayag Hospital’s Pritika Singh

    “Mental health, once a taboo, is gradually finding its place in open conversations”: Prayag Hospital’s Pritika Singh

    Mumbai: The healthcare sector stands as a cornerstone of societal well-being, encompassing a complex web of medical services, institutions, professionals, and technologies. Rooted in the fundamental goal of promoting health, preventing illness, and providing care, the healthcare sector plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the physical, mental, and emotional vitality of individuals and communities.

    Characterised by constant advancements in medical science, technological innovation, and evolving care models, the sector continuously adapts to meet the changing needs and challenges of a dynamic world. From hospitals and clinics to research facilities and pharmaceutical companies, the healthcare sector is a diverse and vital ecosystem that extends its influence into every facet of human life.

    Indiantelevision.com caught up with Prayag Hospital CEO Pritika Singh to know more about her journey, COVID’s impact on mental health, the hospital’s expansion plans, and much more.

    Pritika Singh is an award-winning and game-changer leader in the healthcare sector. Her business interests vary across many fields, from healthcare business, beauty, mental health, yoga, meditation, and the pharma industry. She is actively pursuing women’s rights and philosophy. She has worked towards women’s empowerment and other women-centric issues. She became the CEO of Prayag Hospital at the age of 23. Under her leadership, Prayag Hospital expanded and opened two more locations.

    Edited Excerpts:

    On Prayag Hospital’s contribution to the awareness and treatment of mental health issues

    Mental health, once a taboo, is gradually finding its place in open conversations. Being a strong mental health advocate, I emphasise its importance in healthcare domain and our team works with diverse segments of society, including correctional facilities, orphanages, and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), while also organising meditation camps. We have observed that due to absence of families, these individuals suffer from substantial emotional burdens that adversely affect mental well-being. Thus, acknowledging the gravity of this issue, our team works closely with these individuals, extending unwavering support to tackle their mental health struggles.

    On the COVID-19 pandemic’s disproportionate impact on mental health and any observable trends indicating increased susceptibility among women

    Certainly, the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed had a significant impact on mental health worldwide. The isolation, uncertainty, fear of illness, and disruptions to daily life have collectively contributed to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, and depression among various populations. In my knowledge and being a healthcare professional, I have observed several trends that suggest women may be more susceptible to these adverse mental health effects.

    As women often bear the brunt of looking after the family. The closure of schools and daycare centers, coupled with remote work arrangements, has increased the caregiving burden on women. Balancing work, household chores, and childcare without adequate support led to heightened stress levels and a sense of being overwhelmed. Then gender-based violence and abuse exacerbated during lockdowns when escape routes and support systems were limited. The increased risk of violence and the trauma associated with it had severe implications for their mental well-being.

    On the inspiration behind venturing into this field right after completing studies

    Having grown up in an environment where healthcare and entrepreneurship were integral parts of my family’s life, my journey into the healthcare industry as a young CEO was a natural progression for me. Both my parents played pivotal roles in shaping my aspirations. My father’s dedication to the medical profession instilled in me a deep appreciation for healthcare, while my mother’s entrepreneurial ventures ignited a passion for business and innovation.

    From an early age, I found myself drawn to the world of entrepreneurship, inspired by my mother’s successes. I admired her ability to turn ideas into reality, and even before fully grasping the complexities of entrepreneurship, I was determined to follow in her footsteps. As I progressed through my education, particularly during my 11th and 12th grades, my understanding of entrepreneurship deepened. I began crafting business plans, envisioning my own path forward in the business world.

    Upon completing my MBA, I was eager to merge my dual passions for healthcare and entrepreneurship. Joining Prayag Hospital as the planning and strategy director provided me with a unique opportunity to bridge these two worlds. As I delved into the intricacies of hospital operations and patient care, I realised the immense potential for innovation and improvement within the healthcare sector. My journey continues to be fuelled by the desire to make a meaningful impact on both the healthcare industry and the lives of the patients we serve.

    On your vision for Prayag Hospital’s expansion across India and the plan to tackle the challenges that might arise during this expansion

    Our journey is driven by a commitment to extending quality healthcare services to every corner of the country. Our immediate focus lies on expanding our presence within Uttar Pradesh, the largest and most populated state in India. Recognising the immense need for accessible and top-notch healthcare, we are diligently working on establishing new hospitals and medical centres in key regions of Uttar Pradesh. This strategic approach allows us to address the healthcare gaps prevalent in these areas and ensure that quality medical services are available to all.

    Looking beyond our national borders, we are ambitiously planning to set up branches of Prayag Hospital in Indonesia and Uzbekistan. Our goal is to replicate the success and patient-centric approach that defines our brand, bringing our high standards of healthcare to regions where such services are limited. By expanding internationally, we aim to not only contribute to the health and well-being of communities abroad but also showcase the prowess of Indian healthcare on a global platform.

    Expanding across diverse regions comes with its own set of challenges, and we are well-prepared to tackle them head-on. The foremost challenge is to maintain consistent quality across all our branches, ensuring that the patient experience remains our top priority. To achieve this, we have a dedicated team that is focused on training and upskilling our staff to meet our established standards of care. Additionally, we are investing in advanced medical technology and infrastructure to guarantee seamless healthcare delivery, regardless of the location.

    On the translation of your focus on women’s rights into initiatives within and outside the healthcare sector

    I am deeply committed to advancing women’s rights and promoting their empowerment. Annually, we organise free camps for acid attack survivors, providing essential support. Moreover, we facilitate around 100 surgeries at minimal expenses to enhance the quality of their lives. Observing the challenges endured by acid attack survivors has galvanised my advocacy for their cause. Going forward, I am committed to extending medical care, therapeutic counselling, and a secure haven for their holistic healing.

    On the strategies for attracting and retaining young talent, given the industry’s demands

    Our conviction lies in the notion that the healthcare sector stands as a conduit for both economic advancement and communal well-being. As we expand our infrastructure, our goal centres on accommodating a wider patient demographic, and furnishing tailored medical expertise. This endeavour entails the recruitment of proficient physicians, nurses, technicians, and ancillary personnel.

    In our bid to attract young talents to this virtuous domain, a comprehensive strategy has been meticulously devised. Also, we are committed to substantial investments in robust training and developmental initiatives, endowing them with requisite proficiencies and cultivating an environment conducive to perpetual learning.

    On the key milestones that Prayag Hospital has achieved since its inception

    Founded in 1995, Prayag Hospital has evolved into a leading multispeciality facility. The hospital’s mission is to offer top-notch healthcare at affordable rates. Prayag Hospital’s patient-centred approach has revolutionised India’s healthcare landscape, ensuring quality treatment accessible to all. At Prayag Hospital, we have introduced a special ward for below poverty line patients, providing free medical care while only charging for medicines. We have also set up holistic healing centres to spread the word about staying healthy before getting sick. To make things easier for everyone, we have taken the initiative to educate patients about government healthcare plans like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.

    On the most pressing challenges that the healthcare industry will encounter in 2023 and beyond

    India’s hospital industry, constituting 80 per cent of the healthcare market, is attracting significant investor interest globally and domestically. Projected to grow at a CAGR of 16-17 per cent, the sector is set to reach $132 Bn by 2023. Having said that, the healthcare sector has been grappled with escalating costs and persistent health disparities, posing significant barriers to equitable and accessible care. Additionally, integrating advancing technologies while safeguarding patient privacy remains a complex challenge.

    On the strategies to position the hospital as a global healthcare provider

    Prayag Hospital aims to go global as we are establishing fully equipped clinics in Dubai and Uzbekistan. After a trial period, we will refine our services and expand to other countries, adapting to their unique healthcare needs and regulations. Through strategic technological integration, we will seamlessly harmonise operations between our international clinics and our Indian headquarters, ensuring efficient cross-border collaboration. Our robust affiliations with local healthcare entities and government bodies will facilitate the delivery of comprehensive and enduring healthcare solutions.

    On incorporating initiatives such as assisting acid attack survivors into Prayag Hospital’s overall mission

    Officially reported acid attack incidents number between 250-300 annually, yet experts believe the actual count could surpass 1,000. We organise free camps yearly for acid attack victims and undertake around 100 surgeries at nominal costs to help better the lives of the survivors. These camps empower survivors to overcome trauma, foster resilience, and reintegrate into society, making a tangible difference in their lives.

    On the intersection of technology and healthcare shaping the industry’s future and Prayag Hospital embracing these advancements

    The rapid advancements in technology have opened up new avenues for enhancing patient care, streamlining processes, and improving overall healthcare outcomes. At Prayag Hospital, we recognise that technologies such as electronic health records, telemedicine, and wearable health devices have the power to create a more connected and patient-centric healthcare ecosystem and thus embrace these wholeheartedly.

  • OZiva says challenges stereotypes in new ad film #BeYourOwnMan

    OZiva says challenges stereotypes in new ad film #BeYourOwnMan

    Mumbai: OZiva, plant-based nutrition, and wellness brand has launched a social experiment film #BeYourOwnMan challenging the stereotypes that Indian men face with respect to their mental health and wellbeing.

    The experiment is an attempt to highlight the popular misconceptions plaguing men’s health that often go untended. According to the survey conducted by the brand, at least 51 per cent of men equate being healthy to ‘just feeling’ fit while 27 per cent of them feel embarrassed to openly speak about mental and physical health. The global statistics also show that on average, men are dying five years earlier than women and men account for a whopping 69 per cent of the total number of suicides, said the brand in a statement.

    OZiva co-founder Aarti Gill said, “The importance of good health cannot be defined by genders. However, we are seeing a huge divide in the way health is perceived by men and women. At OZiva, we want to empower every individual to be healthier and better in every way. Whether men or women, physical and mental health should always be a priority. And we are hoping to open more conversations and also encourage men to seek help when needed as there is no shame in prioritizing health.”

    According to the brand, the social experiment film will help by working on multiple levels to permeate the idea that it is essential for men to take care of their physical and mental wellbeing. It plunges deep into the intricacies of men’s psyche and attempts to understand their various mental and physical concerns. The film uses a simple insight that men rarely shy away from boasting about their scars- whether it’s a childhood scar from a cool mischief story or the one they got as teenagers while playing. In fact, they wear these stories like a badge of honor! But when it comes to sharing or talking about scars that are not really visible, their mental and physical health, there is a lot of hesitation, fear, and embarrassment as well.

    The film aims to break the stereotype of what it means to be a man by encouraging every man to #BeYourOwnMan and tell them it’s okay to speak up about health and get help when needed.

  • Future Generali India urges all fathers to prioritise health this Diwali

    Future Generali India urges all fathers to prioritise health this Diwali

    Mumbai: Taking the conversation ahead on mental health, life insurance company Future Generali India Ltd (FGILI) has launched its 360-degree brand campaign titled “PAPAsHealthAsliWealth.” Through this campaign, FGILI urges fathers to prioritise their health and well-being amid the celebration of Diwali this year. 

    The 360-degree marketing campaign was launched through a short video film on social media on Monday. The film was shot by director Manish Sharma from P Se Picture.

    “Insights show that fathers neglect their health in the process of providing the best to their families, which exposes them to a health risk, inadvertently exposing their family to an uncertain financial future. Going with this thought and connecting it to the core brand campaign message i.e #PapasHealthAsliWealth, the film talks to fathers, urging them to prioritise their health this Diwali for the family’s healthier and safer tomorrow,” said the company.

    Using the occasion of Diwali, the film starts with a visual of a father and daughter rushing out to their car after Diwali shopping. The film then shows how the father gets pulled into a work call while his daughter wants his attention to eating food that he has skipped. This is where through the young child’s perspective the film’s message is brought to light, and the father is forced to rethink his lifestyle. The film ends with the central idea “aapki sehat ka khayal rakhna aapki aur aapke apno ki bhi jimmedari hai.”

    “At Future Generali India Life Insurance, we are focused on promoting healthy living amongst Indian fathers. Our new campaign takes the narrative forward by encouraging them to enjoy the festivities while taking care of their health to stay fit and healthy,” said Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Ltd chief marketing & digital officer Ashish Tiwari. “We believe that health is the true wealth for fathers who work hard to provide the best for their families. The campaign will be launched on all digital channels and will be supported by exciting on-ground promotions.”

    The 360 campaign rollout will be in three phases, the insurance brand shared. Each phase will encapsulate various activities, with Phase one launching the teaser campaign on social media. Phase two will see the release of the brand film and customer/employee engagement activities. In phase three, social media will be used to sustain the campaign, it said.

  • India Inc has no-deal with Covid stress on working minds

    India Inc has no-deal with Covid stress on working minds

    Mumbai: So, May was mental health awareness month. Not surprisingly, along with everything else, Covid-19 has taken a toll on our anxiety and stress levels too. As the pandemic’s second wave sweeps across the country, it is inducing a considerable degree of fear, distress, and alarm in the population at large, and especially among the working professionals.

    The economic repercussions of the ongoing pandemic have made Indian professionals vulnerable to job uncertainty, financial instability, and bleak company outlook while continuing to work remotely, according to a LinkedIn workforce confidence index (WCI) report on mental health.

    “The ongoing stress around the three Rs — Remote work, Return to work, and Risk of exposure — are adversely impacting the mental health of Indian professionals,” said LinkedIn, India country manager Ashutosh Gupta.

    The pandemic also impacted, in particular, working women and their ability to focus on work, with a major part of the household and childcare responsibilities falling on their shoulders at home- further highlighting the gender disparity in our society. Many professionals experienced financial uncertainty with salary cuts, lay-offs, job instability, and unemployment looming large.

    PRE-COVID

    It is a known fact that even pre-Covid, workplaces added to mental health concerns while doing little to address them.

    “Indians are among the most overworked workers globally while earning the lowest minimum statutory wage in the Asia-Pacific region, barring Bangladesh”, as per a study on the state of mental health in Corporate India by Gi Group India. The report does a comparative analysis of the working hours per week in India, as against the US and the UK. India stands at 48 – 50 hours while the US is at 40 and the UK a cool 33 hours.

    “There are 1.2 million registered companies in India out of which only 1,000 provide EAPs (employee assistance programmes) for mental health. How India Inc fares on the mental health index is very clear by this statistic. It is also a cry for help as the magnitude of mental health issues among Indian workers is increasing at an alarming rate.” GI Group MD Marcos Segador Arrebola told ET.

    So how does India Inc fare on the mental health index ?

    The Covid-19 impact

    As per the GI group survey, due to the Covid-19 lockdown: 29 per cent of the employees surveyed suffered due to erratic work schedules and 21 per cent suffered due to reduced salariesPIC:

    The contingency did affect organizations to the point of being a serious call-for-action. And, 48 per cent of the employers surveyed reported having taken cognizance of mental wellness concerns. Of this, 29 per cent believe they have been able to identify issues and provide an appropriate form of assistance. While the rest are at various stages of inadequacy, 9 per cent of the employers seem helpless in this regard.

    According to PeakMind.in-Empowered Emotionally, clinical psychologist Shefalika Sahai, the pandemic situation threw most of our coping mechanisms out of the window with anxiety and panic taking over. “According to the data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), the number of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder increased from 11 per cent during the pandemic, which also resulted in many organisations launching free mental wellbeing helpline numbers.”

    We are seeing many organisations leading creative and innovative engagements and collaborations with experts to build the morale and mental wellbeing of the employees. In that sense, Covid-19 has been a mixed bag for issues concerning mental wellness. Awareness and accessibility leapfrogged and taboos surrounding it significantly diminished.

    Hospitality firm Oyo rolled out a set of initiatives for its employees to alleviate their stress levels amid the coronavirus pandemic, including four-day working in a week and flexible infinite paid leaves. OYO Rooms CEO Ritesh Agarwal wrote about the company’s new initiatives on Twitter.

    The online food tech unicorn Swiggy also announced that it will be moving to a four-day work week for May.

    Gi Group Head for Staffing Business Sonal Arora said, “Although raising awareness is an essential part of the solution, the concept of a well-defined action plan has been lacking and a majority still struggle due to restricted sources of assistance.”

    Given the rising anxiety levels among employees, several organisations are revealing their compassionate side by offering staff a much-needed break from work. Many companies acknowledge that in such dark times, it’s essential to go beyond mere words of being a ‘people-first organisation’ and ensure that caring actions towards each and everyone’s well-being are prioritised.

    Realty developer Godrej Properties provided its employees a five-day complete break from office work to allow its teams to “recuperate emotionally” in the backdrop of the ongoing pandemic.

    “The work from home burnout is real and the last thirteen months of Covid and the second wave have taken a toll on people; emotionally and mentally. As a company, it is our responsibility to be with our employees and we understand that in tough times like these, everyone deserves a break,” said Godrej Properties MD and CEO Mohit Malhotra. This applied to nearly 2,000 permanent employees of the company and around 600 contract employees working across all its locations in India.

    Ericsson India has launched an employee wellness programme that is focused on interventions around their physical, financial, emotional, and social wellbeing. In addition, the organisation has set up a 24X7 Employee Assistance Programme to provide one-to-one support to its employees.

    Visionet Systems set up a dedicated helpline for its employees, providing free mental health professionals, via phone or text.

    “We have close to 4500 employees across three centres in India and unless they are all moving in the same direction, are feeling safe, appreciated and financially protected, we cannot expect the company to do well,” Visionet Systems MD and country head Alok Bansal told Businessworld.

    Vestige Marketing started a Covid-19 support initiative, called SAMVAAD- a platform wherein the HR and the management regularly connect with teams and departments to acknowledge their efforts, listen to their concerns, provide support and inspire and motivate them.

    While these and many other companies have set the ball rolling and taken some initiatives towards employees’ mental wellness the question remains, is it enough for a country as vast as India?

    There is a dire need for corporates to factor in mental wellbeing in their regime and inculcate measures for the mental well-being of employees. Covid-19 is a wake-up call for employers to sensitize their organizations and formalize their mental wellness approach.

  • #YehDiwaliBachchonWaali: United We Care bats for mental health

    #YehDiwaliBachchonWaali: United We Care bats for mental health

    NEW DELHI: This Diwali, United We Care is encouraging people to let out their inner child and share their stories and experiences. The integrated campaign called #YehDiwaliBachchonWaali, launched across various digital platforms, focuses on bringing back the carefree childhood days as well as being able to have some heart-to-heart conversations. The underlying idea is to encourage adults to talk openly without inhibitions.  

    Given how Diwali coincides with Children's Day this year, the campaign highlights the essence of childhood and encourages adults to open up. The first video talks about how we express ourselves easily as children, share and forget easily. As we grow up, we are bound by the worry of stigma, judgement, and overthinking. It stems from the concept of gifting everyone better mental health and well-being during the festive season by unleashing the unabashed and hopeful spirit of the child within each of us.

    The campaign also introduces a team of experts including life coaches, psychologists, and lawyers who share their childhood experiences that led them to take up the professions they are in today. For instance, a lawyer who saw her father losing a land case as a child decided to take up the profession to ensure no one else undergoes the same experience. Right after she became a lawyer, she helped her father win the case. As they narrate their stories, they also “Pledge to Create a Happier You” with United We Care.

    United We Care founder  Shumita Kakkar said apart from Covid2019, people are also experiencing a second pandemic in the form of mental health issues. However, these issues are not new but have been there since ages. “Today, when things are so complicated, it is time once again to rewind to our childhood, a time of free spirits, endless conversations, and when every day was a new beginning. United We Care’s campaign this Diwali is about unleashing your inner child and speak up openly about anything under the sun – without the fear of stigma and for better mental health.”

    United We Care is an app-based platform that integrates social, mental, financial, and legal support systems for men, women, youth and children and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

  • Dangal launches digital campaign to increase awareness on mental health

    Dangal launches digital campaign to increase awareness on mental health

    Keeping in mind the current situation and to help people cope with issues that are a result of mental health, Dangal, India’s most watched Hindi general entertainment channel launches an integrated digital campaign to create awareness on mental health as a subject as well as to promote positive mental wellbeing. Leveraging its strength across digital media and with support from actors from its various shows, the campaign speaks about how challenging times like these lead to various mental break-downs and that one needs to fight them back with a positive attitude, and seek necessary help and support from their social circle. The campaign also urges individuals to speak up during such times.

    Twitter: https://twitter.com/dangaltv/status/1268097291921080321?s=21  

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dangal.tv.channel/posts/3040220636074650

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/CA92Y5-gyfA/?igshid=1my60ylm30fn7

    The campaign has received support from popular Dangal actors including  Tarun Khanna, Vishal Karwal, Rahul Sharma, Ankit Arora, Chetan Hansraj and Pankaj Kalra. The campaign encourages individuals to look beyond their problems and emerge stronger during this phase. The campaign aims to connect with everyone at a personal level and not simply professionals and artists belonging to the entertainment industry. 

    Speaking about this initiative, Arpit Machhar, Head of Marketing, Enterr10 Television Network, “The last couple of months have been very difficult on everyone across the country. We have been witness to unfortunate incidents that are directly related to mental wellness. As a responsible entity within the media and entertainment industry, we felt the onus also rests upon us to spread awareness about mental health and promote a positive outlook among all. We have brought actors together from some of our most popular shows to start this conversation and create awareness on this matter. We are hopeful that this initiative will be lead to many other such conversations that will help people cope and emerge stronger in such times.”

    Dangal’s awareness building digital campaign is currently live on all social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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  • 1700 Mumbaikars cycle to raise awareness for mental health

    1700 Mumbaikars cycle to raise awareness for mental health

    MUMBAI: Mpower, a pioneer in Indian mental healthcare from The Aditya Birla Education Trust, today returned with its fourth edition of Aditya Birla Health Insurance Ride to Mpower, a cycle ride to create awareness and stamp out the stigma associated with mental health illnesses. In this edition, Mpower aims to bring the #StampOutStigma in our society today by bringing together Mumbaikars and encourage them to increase conversations around mental health.

    The cycle ride saw more than 1700 cyclists and fitness champions lend their support towards this critical cause as they cycled through the streets of Mumbai on 17th March 2019. These Mumbaikars pledged to become champions of mental health. Aditya Birla Health Insurance Ride to Mpower marks Mpower's most successful awareness initiatives. Over the last four editions, it strived to educate individuals on the correlation between physical and mental health toward an individual’s overall well-being.

    Flagged off by Mrs. Neerja Birla, popular Cyclist and RTM Ride Director Firoza Suresh and Mr Mayank Bathwal, CEO Aditya Birla Health Insurance Co. Limited, the 27km ride began from Dome@NSCI to Asian Heart Institute, 15km ride began from Dome@NSCI to Shivaji Park and 7km rides began from Dome@NSCI to JK Kapur Chowk. The Movement saw avid participation of people from all walks of life including social and mental health activists, business leaders, inspirational youth icons and school children.

    One in six people in India suffer from a serious mental disorder, and yet mental health remains a taboo in most Indian households, schools, colleges and offices. This taboo is what prevents real progress on the mental health front, primarily by attaching stigma to any and all mental health related concerns. The uncaring attitude, the ignorant labels, the tone-deaf conversations, the endless stigma and the lack of mental healthcare need to change. These #StampOutStigma through Aditya Birla Health Insurance Ride to Mpower will bring awareness and encourage conversation around mental health, as well as engage people to support, diagnose, prevent and seek help for mental health concerns.

    Mazhar Nadiadwala, Managing Director, Dome Entertainment Pvt Ltd, said, “We, at Dome, truly believe that being healthy is beyond just having a fit body. It is about keeping the mind healthy as well. Dome Entertainment hosted Ride to Mpower 2019, a cycling marathon to spread awareness about mental health. This initiative was our effort at trying to reach out to the society to highlight that simple fact. It was truly heartening to see eminent personalities like Firoza Suresh, Mumbai’s first bicycle mayor and Dr. Ambrish Dharmadhikari, Psychiatrist & Head, Medical Services, Mpower – The Foundation be a part of this venture and participate in the cause. As a cycling enthusiast myself, I am thrilled to see cycling gain such a popularity as a sport. I have always believed that cycling is a unique sport which keeps both mind and body healthy. It was truly great to show people the benefits of cycling and the importance of mental health. This was the best way for us to do combine the two. It was a great experience collaborating with Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder & Chairperson of Mpower for this event and we truly believe that what she is trying to do is a much needed aspect in today’s society. The events team of Mpower, headed by Anita Lobo were extremely cooperative to work with and it is great to align with a team that understands our values and perceptions so well. We saw great support from the Aditya Birla Group with Mayant Batwal, CEO of Aditya Birla Health; Darshana Shah, Head of Marketing, Aditya Birla Health Insurance and Amit Bajaj – President, Corporate Affairs, Aditya Birla Group all present at the event and helping us flag off different marathons. The presence and support of Bhushan Gaghrani – Principal Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office and Mr. Sanjay Barve – Commissioner of Police, Mumbai showed us the intensity of how important this cause was.”

    Being a fitness aficionado herself, through this event, Mrs. Neerja Birla aims to bring together all fitness aficionados to pledge their support towards mental health. Commenting on this initiative – Ride to Mpower, Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, Mpower, said, “Mpower – The Movement is all about creating a paradigm shift in the way people think of mental health. Everyone knows that it's important and normal to take care of one's physical health and Mpower endeavours to make people aware that it is just as important and normal to take care of one's mental health. The cycle ride is our way of reaching out to the community, in order to highlight that a healthy mind is as important as a healthy body. This is the fourth cycle ride we've done and as participation increases, I hope that it will encourage more people to embrace a more holistic approach to wellness and self-care.”

    Mumbai’s first bicycle mayor and a prominent figure in the cyclist community herself, RTM Ride Director Firoza Suresh said “I am happy to be part of the Aditya Birla Health Insurance Ride to Mpower initiative and see Mumbai come together and support this cause. We hope to have created awareness about the positive impact of cycling on mental health and how is very important in building physical endurance, connecting with nature, socializing & skill development, all invigorate the learning process”

    Mr. Mayank Bathwal, CEO Aditya Birla Health said, “Mental health and awareness is crucial today and it must be welcomed without any stereotypes and preconceived notions in the society. Having seen Mumbaikars ride towards stamping out stigma and supporting our cause makes us believe that we have achieved a milestone towards promoting philosophy of health first in health insurance. With such a large participation, Aditya Birla Health Ride to Mpower has made a strong and impactful step forward in spreading awareness on the mental health menace that is slowly crippling our society.”

    Anita Lobo, Head – Events, Mpower said, “I am happy to play a small part in creating awareness about this cause and delighted to see Mumbaikars extending their support. Ride to Mpower is in its 4th year now and encourages everyone to stay physically and mentally fit. People are now becoming more open about the subject and slowly, but steadily the taboo is being lifted. Through Mpower – The Movement, we aim to stamp out the stigma around mental health and sensitize people to be alert and speak up whenever necessary”

    The brainchild of Mrs. Neerja Birla, Mpower was launched three years ago, and has been at the forefront to affect change and proactively champion the cause of mental health, create awareness, advocate prevention and provide services with a professional, holistic and multi-disciplinary approach in the country.

    Stamp Out the Stigma around mental illnesses with Mpower – The Foundation

    A World Health Organisation study reports that over 6% of the Indian population suffers from a serious mental disorder and do not have the right kind of help to facilitate recovery, which may lead to extreme situations like suicide.   In India, it is difficult to change perceptions related to mental health. The challenge lies in repairing the inborn conditioning which perceives mental illnesses as evil. We do not talk about mental health.