Key Hightlights

Sri Aurobindo University Highlights the Power of Listening on World Mental Health Day

SAIMS College of Nursing under Sri Aurobindo University, Indore, recognized the difficulty in starting discussions on mental health by opening a dialogue with their program to mark World Mental Health Day 2026. Empathy and emotional support were the main focus of this year's program with the goal of reducing the taboo surrounding the topic.

The 2020 theme, Lived Experiences Heard Real Voices, Real Change captured the true intent of the mission. Each person with an experience holds a story and a need to be accompanied and supported. There is a huge segment of our society that experiences a myriad of mental health struggles. While listening can be as simple as not being judgmental, for a person experiencing difficulty, the gesture can go a long way.

The program focused on helping reduce the feelings that people have, about mental health. Some people find it hard to talk about the feelings that people have. Creating a place where people feel safe and supported helps people to share their thoughts and get the help people need.

Nurses should especially be cognizant of mental wellbeing. For one, their job will require them to care for individuals who are not just going through a physical health struggle, but are also going through periods of uncertainty, fear and stress. Being able to care with compassion means being able to listen and to respond to patient needs with communication.

In this endeavor, Sri Aurobindo University demonstrated that there should be an emphasis on mental health and that it should be talked about and addressed with timeliness.

Let us be more supportive, be less judgmental, and ensure no person feels that their problems should be faced by them and them alone.

Your mental health matters. Your voice deserves to be heard.