To celebrate World Mental Health Day and promote the importance of mental health and to underscore the importance of mental health and well-being, Don Bosco Chinchwad organised a day-long workshop for its students on October 5, 2023. The workshop was animated by Fr. Ajay D’Monte.
Fr. D’Monte, equipped with an M.Sc. in Counseling, specializes in aiding young individuals in overcoming substance abuse and addiction. His expertise extends to conducting counseling sessions for both families and young people, assisting them in dealing with issues such as depression, substance abuse, trauma, and more.
The workshop commenced in the morning with Fr. D’Monte candidly sharing his own personal journey, recounting how he faced childhood hardships and successfully navigated through them. He also shared with the students why it is necessary to speak to a counsellor and seek therapy when needed. Through his general interactions with the students, Fr. D’Monte also expounded on how addictions arise in a person and how an addict finds it difficult to speak up and seek help to overcome the addiction. The students were also made aware of how our internal conversations affect our mental health. He said that the brain is the computer of our body and it stores all the information we give it. When we send in bad information, we eventually feel low and depressed which affects our mental health and our general outlook to life.
The students were also introduced to the spectrum of emotions that we all have yet express differently and at different times. Pointing out to the five main emotions – joy, disgust, fear, sadness, and anger – Fr. D’Monte stressed on how it is important for each one of us to bring about a balance and control of our emotion. He said that having a control over one’s emotions is essential in building better bonds with others and with oneself. To help cope with stress and assist in controlling emotions, the students were also introduced to a meditation technique. The students were asked to close their eyes and sit still, focussing only on their breathing. Fr. D’Monte later shared that such an exercise everyday helps in strengthening the mind’s focus to control emotions.
In addressing the dynamics of healthy relationships, Fr. D’Monte discussed how our demands and submissive tendencies often lead to compromises, emphasizing the need to move towards collaboration instead. He highlighted that collaboration propels progress, whereas compromising may lead to stagnation. Additionally, Fr. D’Monte shared Rudolph Steiner’s theory of the 7 Year Cyclic Nature of Human Development, using real-life examples to illustrate emotional growth and its influence on decision-making.
The workshop also touched upon the sensitive topics of depression and suicide, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the stages leading to such outcomes. Students were made aware of the critical role played by positive self-esteem in countering depression and preventing a downward spiral. Fr. D’Monte encouraged the students never to degrade themselves, emphasizing that individuals know themselves better than anyone else.
Don Bosco Chinchwad’s initiative on World Mental Health Day, led by Fr. Ajay D’Monte, served as an empowering and enlightening experience for the students. The knowledge shared during this event will undoubtedly contribute to improved mental well-being and provide valuable tools for navigating the complexities of life.
