Assam: On October 10, ASHADEEP, a leading mental health society, commemorated World Mental Health Day with an awareness event at their rehabilitation center in Bamunigaon, Kamrup district. The theme for this year’s observance, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” underscored the increasing need for mental health support within professional environments.
During the event, ASHADEEP’s Director, Dr. Anjana Goswami, emphasized the significance of nurturing mental well-being at work. “We focused on how to manage our mental health while at work and how to foster a positive environment for mental wellness,” she stated.
The awareness meet attracted a diverse group of participants, including students and faculty from Rani Nursing Institute, local villagers, medical officers from Boko Hospital, and officials from the Child Welfare department. Dr. Monoj Kumar Sharma, Medical Officer at Bamunigaon Model Hospital, also attended the event.
Dr. Goswami shared insights into ASHADEEP’s mission and journey since its inception. “We launched ASHADEEP in 1996 with a primary focus on mental health, initially operating a day rehabilitation center in Guwahati for children with intellectual disabilities and individuals with mental illness. Over time, our services expanded to include aftercare programs,” she explained.
The Bamunigaon rehabilitation center, established in 2011, originally catered solely to women but has since expanded to accommodate men. “Currently, our center houses 70 individuals, with 40 beds for men and 30 for women,” Dr. Goswami added.
She also revealed that over 1,500 individuals with mental health conditions have been treated at the Bamunigaon center, with 1,200 successfully reintegrated with their families. “We have facilitated the return of recovered individuals not only across India but also from Bangladesh,” she noted.
One of ASHADEEP’s innovative initiatives is the ‘Shared Home’ project, which provides accommodation and income-generating opportunities for individuals unable to return home after recovery. “This initiative ensures they can lead healthy, independent lives,” Dr. Goswami highlighted, reinforcing ASHADEEP’s commitment to comprehensive mental health care.
The event served as a crucial reminder of the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in the workplace, and ASHADEEP’s ongoing efforts to provide essential support to those in need.
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