Learning from the experts- Interaction with a Psychologist

Our ChangeWarriors are always prepared to take on new ways to help bring change. During this quest, the candidates of our ‘Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Health’ program decided to gain knowledge on how to set up and facilitate sharing circles in their school and community. 

Ms. Ankita B and Ms. Ahana Ghosh, practicing psychologists from Tangent Mental Health Initiative joined our students to help them on their quest. Since their core areas of practice are diversity and inclusion, their philosophy of looking at mental health as an inclusion of multiple voices and intersections rather than through a unidimensional standpoint, really resonated with our young mental health advocates.

The session itself set an example for an ideal way of conversing on mental health as it began with a check – in of their thoughts and feelings. Gradually, the students were introduced to the concept of a sharing circle. – a space where people get together to talk about emotions, ideas, and shared experiences. Our enthusiastic ChangeWarriours then dived into the steps to facilitate a sharing circle- meeting up, setting norms, opening activity, summarizing and closing up. Our students recollected the existing sharing mechanisms available to them, and owing to their interest, the facilitator took them through the steps of raising a request for a sharing circle in their schools. They were also introduced to virtual platforms where one can choose to remain anonymous while sharing experiences, takeaways and suggestions.

“Our school never had the concept of sharing circles – what we used to do was share it among our friends whenever we had problems. I have in fact, mediated a few issues’’- Aashmi Maru

This was followed by case studies which highlighted the experience of vulnerable communities like queer students, and  our ChangeWarriors put in their best to come up with solutions, from the shoes of a facilitator.Now it was time to wind up the session and students began sharing their stories- of their own experiences, of those close to them and of what they have read and heard about. 

“I am new to my school and the idea of support groups sounds very unique to me. Nothing like this has been organized in my school. I’d like to raise this idea to my school’’ – Ashi Agarwal

This interaction with an expert helped them understand not only the nuances, but also the many opportunities through which the mental health stigma can be eliminated. The session was also a reminder that conversations on mental health are not to be limited to medical or formal settings, but can be as intimate as having a chat with your school friends or opening up to your mentor. Our students have come out more prepared to face the challenges around mental health that they might face in their journey of advocacy.

About TribesforGOOD: TribesforGOOD is a new-age platform that helps Gen Z and Millennials discover; learn and contribute to issues that they care about while bridging the talent gap for social enterprises. By combining training from grassroots innovators, we help individuals make a positive social impact. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Mumbai, TribesforGOOD is simplifying the journey of a potential changemaker