How do you break the stigma surrounding mental health? You have more conversations. Raise more awareness.
In an effort to do both, the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) in Bangalore is organizing a 3-hour walk called “Stories Against Stigma: A Walking Tour of NIMHANS” on Saturday, October 28th, to break misconceptions and myths around mental illnesses.
Beginning at 9.30 am, participants will be given an overview of the hospital’s history, the development of the field of psychology and psychiatry as well as the institute’s departments and functions. The tour will also provide reliable and factual information from mental health professionals at the institute to help people understand that recovery from mental illnesses is imminently possible.
Earlier efforts
This is not the first time NIMHANS is conducting a walking tour to raise awareness. The institute had conducted a similar community-based public health initiative in 2019 where tour groups were shown their educational, neuropsychiatric, and rehabilitation settings.
Around 40 people participated in the walk. An assessment of the feedback from the tour showed that the majority, 36.4%, of people participated to gain a deeper understanding of mental illness. In terms of tour experience, nearly 80% of the participants, said that the tour had influenced their attitude toward mental illnesses in a positive manner.
Mental health in India continues to be highly stigmatized despite the fact that 1 in 7 Indians live with some form of mental illness.
Walk details
- Date: 28th October 2023
- Time: 9:30 am
- Registration fee: Rs 200
- To register call +91-7902758129 OR email: mheducation.nimhans@gmail.com
