Written by: Sanju Aryal
EUNA recently organized a Mental Health Capacity-Building Training aimed at equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental distress, deviance, and trauma within community settings. This initiative focused on promoting emotional intelligence, empathy, and supportive communication for improved mental well-being.
Core Concepts Covered
- Deviance
Deviance refers to behaviors that deviate from social or personal norms, often linked to mental health challenges. Examples include impaired judgment, sudden aggression, or unexpected actions such as fleeing home or social settings. - Distress
Distress manifests as emotional turmoil—frequent mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal. It can stem from prolonged stress, unresolved emotions, or overthinking. - Trauma
Trauma arises from deeply disturbing past events—such as accidents, abuse, or sudden losses—leading to lasting psychological wounds. Symptoms may include fear, emotional numbness, or hyper-vigilance.
Support Techniques for Mental Well-being
Participants were introduced to a range of empathetic communication strategies to support those experiencing mental health issues:
- Active Listening
- Paraphrasing
- Reading Nonverbal Cues (body language)
- Maintaining a Non-judgmental Attitude
- Empathetic Presence (listen to understand, not to fix)
Sample Scenarios & Appropriate Responses
Scenario 1: A woman breaks down during a session and attempts suicide.
Do: Remain calm, provide emotional support, ensure she is not left alone, and immediately contact mental health professionals.
Don’t: Make promises you can’t keep or try to manage the situation alone.
Scenario 2: Your supervisor asks you to share personal trauma.
Don’t: Feel obligated to share if you’re uncomfortable. Personal boundaries must be respected.
Scenario 3: You receive a midnight call from a suicidal community member.
Do: Stay calm, listen actively, and encourage them to speak to a mental health professional.
Don’t: Rush in alone or ignore personal safety. Always involve the appropriate authorities.
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Do’s & Don’t in Mental Health Support
Do:
- Be a patient and empathetic listener
- Encourage consistency in daily routines
- Validate their feelings without judging
Don’t:
- Interrupt while they are speaking
- Try to “fix” their problems—focus on guidance
- Offer false reassurance or make unrealistic promises
- Pressure them to share personal details
Learning Through Film: The Lunchbox
The training also included a screening of The Lunchbox, a Hindi film that beautifully demonstrates emotional intelligence through simple human connections. It served as a reminder of how empathy, active listening, and subtle gestures can significantly impact a person’s mental and emotional health.
This training was a powerful step toward building a more mentally aware and emotionally supportive community. By learning to recognize the signs of mental health challenges and responding with empathy, we are better prepared to help those in need.
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