Mental Health & Yoga Club

OBJECTIVES:

The primary goal of this initiative at TIAS Delhi is to foster a supportive environment that promotes mental health and well-being for students, faculty, and staff. The framework aims to:

• Provide timely and accessible mental health services
• Destigmatize conversations around mental health and encourage seeking support
• Enhance resilience and emotional intelligence
• Embed mental well-being into the institutional culture

Emphasizing preventive care and early intervention, this initiative integrates mental health awareness into everyday campus life, creating a scalable model for other institutions.

Context: Recognizing the growing mental health challenges in academic and work environments, TIAS Delhi identified gaps such as limited counselor availability and low awareness.

In response, the institution collaborated with specialists, including AIIMS and Your Dost, making it one of the few Indian universities with a comprehensive mental health framework.

IMPLEMENTATION:

• Counseling Services: Two full-time mental health counselors and one psychiatrist provide in-person and online counseling to ensure accessible, confidential support. A partnership with Your Dost extends free online counseling services to students and staff.
• Workshops and Training: Regular sessions on coping mechanisms, stress management, and emotional resilience, including the ‘Mental Health Workshop’ and ‘Happiness Bootcamp.’
• Resource Accessibility: Mental health booklets, a Student Wellbeing Handbook, and a Mental Health Resource List offer practical guidance and emergency contacts.
• Awareness Campaigns: The ‘On-campus Happiness Campaign’ fosters positivity through interactive sessions, art installations, and community activities. A Wellness Board, comprising faculty, students, and professionals, oversees mental health initiatives.
• Peer Support Initiative: A mentorship program pairs first-year students with senior mentors to foster supportive relationships and ease their transition.

Challenges & Solutions: Initial resistance due to stigma required persistent awareness campaigns and peer-led discussions to normalize mental health conversations. Retaining qualified professionals was another challenge, addressed by offering competitive remuneration and fostering a conducive work environment.

Impact: The initiative has led to increased use of counseling services, positive feedback on mental health campaigns, and reduced stigma around seeking help. Students report improved well-being, validating the framework’s success.

RESOURCES NEEDED

• Funding for in-house psychologists and counselors
• Budget for workshops, training, and external expertise
• Technological infrastructure for virtual counseling

By integrating mental health into its academic and administrative structures, TIAS Delhi sets a benchmark for other institutions, reinforcing the importance of institutional commitment to mental well-being.