Mental Health Awareness Month

Dear Readers,

Let's be real for a minute. We're eight months into 2020, but it feels like only moments have gone by. Isolation can do that to you. 

Isolation can affect your mental health, too. After all, human beings are social creatures, and quarantine takes a toll on all of us. Everyone is different, but the impact of a global pandemic is lasting, not just physically, but mentally as well. 

You may or may not know, but this year, we're celebrating August as Mental Health Awareness month. Which is why, to kick off our initiative, we have a lineup of webinars, online sessions, Instagram accounts, Spotify podcasts, and other blogs for you, dedicated to talking about mental health, spreading awareness and helping you and others feel better in these difficult times. 

So without further ado, here they are. 

Podcasts:

1. The Happiness Lab- By Dr. Laurie Santos, the creator of the popular "happiness course" at Yale University in the U. S. She gives listeners evidence-based its on leading more satisfied lives, and during the pandemic, has provided coping methods to ease the worries and uncertainty that all of us face right now. Available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

2. The Hilarious World of Depression- Hosted by John Moe, the podcast- rather comically- delves into what depression really is, and how it impacts an individual. Perfect for when sometimes, you just need a laugh and to relate. Available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify. 

3. Dear Asian Girl Podcast- Run by three Asian girls- Naina, Alina, and Genesis, their podcast was meant for Asian girls, but the topics they discuss are relevant to all genders. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Anchor. 

Follow them: @dearasiangirl

Websites and webinars (in the month of August):

4. Letters to Strangers, Bombay Chapter- "Letters to Strangers is a global, youth-run nonprofit seeking to destigmatize mental illness and increase access to affordable, quality treatment for youth aged 13 to 24."

They are having an Instagram live session, as a part of their collaboration with The MANAV Foundation. 

Details-

Where: Instagram- @l2sbombay

When: Thursday, 6th August 2020 from 7p.m. to 8 p.m.

Topic: Mental illness and the need for rehabilitation. 

5. Youth For Mental Health- Dedicated to advancing mental health for India's youth, with "creative and impactful endeavours", this project hosts campaigns and events, and often host sessions on Instagram live. 

Where: Instagram- @youthformentalhealth

Website: https://www.l2sbombay.com

Instagram Pages:

6. Hearts Matter- This page was started in May 2020, by Gurugram teenagers trying to make a difference. Through their initiative, they are trying to spread awareness and bring about change, and often address subjects like body shaming, self love, and gender discrimination. Their account features mostly poetry, write-ups, videos, and more. 

Follow them: @heartsmatter_

7. Holistic Minds- This initiative was also started by two Gurugram teenagers in May 2020, and their page is dedicated to easing worries and anxieties during lockdown, especially catering to young people and teenagers. 

Follow them: @holistic_minds

8. Teens 4 Teens- A community by teenagers, for teenagers, and backed up by professionals. Teens 4 Teens addresses several issues of importance to young people, and breaks down several topics in easy to understand formats. They discuss LGBTQ+/ GSRM awareness and mental health, men's mental health and so much more. 

Follow them: @teens4teens.in

9. The Trevor Project- An organisation providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. They support the mental health of all, and are specifically dedicated to the LGBTQ+/GRSM communities. 

Follow them: @trevorproject

10. Project Lotus Oregon- A youth-led organisation aiming to destigmatize mental health in Asian-American communities by tackling the 'model minority' myth. While they are US based, they discuss topics relatable and relevant to so many, and have special emphasis on breaking stereotypes. 

Follow them: @projectlotusoregon

That's all we have for now! Do you have any pages, podcasts, and more, that we should include here? Let us know in the comments. 

And remember, we're with you. You are not alone. 

- JustConscientia Team. 

Compiled by Nikita