JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore organized a 3-day Employee Wellness Programme for the faculties, which was conducted by Ms. Divya Goel, Counseling Psychologist and Ms. Swati Banerjee, Counseling Psychologist from Udgam along with Ms. Rashmi Ramesh, Art Based Therapist and Life Skills Trainer on 26^th, 27^th and 28^th September 2019.

The programme was an outlet to raise awareness about mental health along with ways to cope with various challenges at work and personally. The trainers guided the participants through – self-awareness, emotional intelligence, building resilience, awareness on stress, anxiety and depression through art based therapy, the need to love life through an overview to prevent suicide, gratitude and forgiveness, enriching personal and professional relationship and communication along with decision making. The sessions were made interesting through various activities, short videos, presentations and worksheets.

The trainers emphasized the need to develop and harness a sound mental health which comprises of emotional, psychological and social well-being. However, there are various triggers that tend to cause an imbalance in our mental harmony. This leads to stress, anxiety or depression which then pours into our professional and personal lives. It is imperative that we identify our problems and seek help to find solutions through counseling. Due to the stigma attached around mental disorders, individuals who suffer, do not seek help and are left to their own devices.

Through the guided programme, the faculties were not only taught to recognise the trigger, but also coping mechanics to help train our mind before we react. The trainers stressed on the need to seek help when all else fails and not be stigmatized by the societal norms surrounding mental health. Apart from managing emotions, the trainers emphasized on dealing with them in a positive way, empathy also formed a part of the workshop and to diffuse any conflict laden challenge. This was a helpful resource for the faculties which would enable them to identify students who need help but cannot seek it.

The three days of the workshop were an educational journey towards achieving a harmonious mental well-being.