Written in collaboration with Ratna Singh

On October 10, 2024, a significant webinar was organized to observe World Mental Health Day, focusing on this year’s theme: Mental Health at the Workplace. The event shed light on the growing need for mental health awareness and support in professional environments, where stress, anxiety, and burnout are common issues affecting employees worldwide.

The webinar kicked off with an introduction to World Mental Health Day and the theme of the webinar, “Mental Health at Workplace,” by the moderator, Ms. Shaivya Pathak. She also gave tribute to the great philanthropist Lt. Shri Ratan Naval Tata by mentioning his quote relevant to the occasion “None can destroy iron, but its own rust can; Likewise, none can destroy a person but their own mindset can.” Following this, Dr. T. P. Sasikumar, Founder and Chairman of Shiksha-JNAANAM and Dr. TPS-SHIKSHA, and Former Deputy Director at the Directorate General of Security was invited to deliver the keynote address.

Dr. T. P. emphasized the Bhartiya Shastra tradition’s focus on fivefold development: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, and spiritual. He proposed that mental health issues could find a lasting solution through the spiritual dimension. Dr. T. P. provided an in-depth philosophical analysis of mental health in the workplace, discussing its root causes and suggesting ethical and practical solutions.

A dynamic panel followed the keynote, featuring experts from various fields who shared diverse perspectives on workplace mental health:

• Dr. Rekha Udit, Founder of the Women International Network, stressed the collective responsibility for mental health in the workplace. She advocated for open, stigma-free conversations, fostering support cultures, mental health training, work-life balance, and technological solutions.
• Dr. Vandana Gambhir, Professor of Psychology, highlighted the importance of managing relationships in the workplace. She suggested strategies for handling difficult individuals and emphasized emotional control, recommending “KISS talk” (Keep It Short and Simple).
• Dr. Vandana Guliya, Cyber Sharp founder, addressed mental health challenges due to competitive environments and lack of collaboration. She encouraged self-education, self-care, and mentorship, and advocated for reducing screen time and promoting women’s leadership.
• Dr. Jaya Sukul, Clinical Psychologist, discussed how stress can be both a catalyst for growth and a source of distress. She highlighted the importance of self-inspection, identifying toxic environments, and managing stress through breathwork and the mind-body connection.
• Ms. Vijayanka Shah, Founder of VIDEH Wellness Centre, emphasized the importance of aligning personal values with professional roles. She spoke on the mind-body connection, the physical impact of stress, and the need for a balanced approach to mental health that integrates social, emotional, and physical well-being.

The panel provided rich insights and practical strategies, offering participants valuable tools for personal and professional growth, and fostering a deeper understanding of mental health in the workplace.

Ms. Vijayanka Shah speaks on online webinar for Mental Health Day 2024.

The event concluded with an engaging Q&A session, beginning with Ms. Amisha’s question on whether stress can be beneficial. Dr. T. P. Sasikumar responded by reiterating a key point from earlier discussions: stress, when managed properly, can be positive, whereas distress is harmful. He emphasized the link between physical health and mental well-being, stressing that breath control is crucial for managing stress effectively. Dr. Jaya Sukul added that we should approach stress with a focus on productivity, advocating for the approach of “doing more, thinking less” to stay effective under pressure.

Ms. Vandna Guliya shared examples of how stressful situations can lead to personal growth and learning. She also emphasized the importance of voicing concerns when in negative environments. Dr. Rekha Udit concluded by urging the audience to stay optimistic and to address stressful situations constructively, encouraging proactive problem-solving rather than retreating or quitting.

The second question came from an online participant on YouTube, who asked how to navigate increasingly transactional relationships in today’s competitive world, where struggles and self-doubt are common. Dr. Jaya responded by suggesting that, while we may encounter uncomfortable situations or jobs, these should be seen as stepping stones rather than reflections of our worth. She advised aligning personal values with experiences, as this helps build resilience and makes it easier to face challenges.

Ms. Shaivya wrapped up the session by expressing gratitude to the speakers for their insightful contributions to mental health, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and self-awareness. Participants were encouraged to capture the moment with a group photo and reminded to revisit the webinar via the YouTube live recording. With the tagline, “When the mind matters, it works better,” the event concluded successfully.