Category: Mental Health

Author: Mr. M.R. Venkatanarayana Raja, Volunteer, Ātmaprasāra

When Ātmaprasāra began its journey, we realised that offering counselling alone was not enough. People first needed to know that a safe place existed – one where they could speak openly, without fear of being judged, and trust that their story would remain confidential. That simple realisation gave birth to our ‘Spread the Word’ initiative.

Over the past five years, our volunteers have reached schools, colleges, clubs, NGOs, industries, community organisations, government departments and many other forums, conducting more than 108 awareness programmes. Each session has been thoughtfully designed to suit its audience, covering topics such as emotional well-being, stress management, communication, relationships, addiction awareness and resilience.

There is a science behind ‘Spread the Word’. People often seek help only after they feel psychologically safe. Awareness reduces stigma, familiarity builds trust, and trust encourages people to take the first courageous step towards seeking support. Every conversation, every session and every shared experience gently chips away at the silence surrounding mental health.

The impact has been profound. Many who first met us through these programmes later walked into our counselling centre with confidence, saying, “I remembered what you shared. I knew I would be heard here”. For us, there is no greater affirmation than that.

As we look ahead, our vision is to reach every section of the community so that no one feels they have to carry their emotional burdens alone. Every programme plants a seed of hope, and every volunteer becomes a bridge between a struggling individual and a compassionate listener.

Sometimes, spreading the word is not about speaking more – it is about helping someone discover that they no longer have to suffer in silence.