2016 Jul 11
by Vandana Hiranand
Mental health is a vastly untouched topic in Sri Lanka, and two young mental health professionals are taking the initiative to break the stigma.
Nivendra and Hansini, two enthusiastic and committed individuals, will be walking across the island in order to raise awareness for mental health in Sri Lanka. They will be beginning their journey in ‘Dondra’, located in the South of Sri Lanka and ending it at ‘Point Pedro’, the very North of the island. That’s right; they will be literally spreading awareness throughout the whole country.
When asked about what inspired this project, here’s what the team had to say:
“I was inspired to engage in this project after hearing about a similar walk done by an ex officer of the Sri Lanka army who I met during flood rescue work recently. I have always wanted to reach out to communities outside of the metropolises in Sri Lanka and realized that this project would allow me to follow my passion, which is mental health and also to connect deeply with people along the way.”
A massive step towards the understanding of mental health, Footsteps to Freedom (FTF) aims to break the barriers and shame surrounding this topic in our country. A large number of workshops are to be conducted along the way, at establishments such as schools, temples, community centers and military and navy camps as well. By educating the public about mental illness, the Footsteps to Freedom team hopes to spark conversation and provide a suitable medium through which affected individuals across the country can feel more comfortable when dealing with psychological difficulties which they are unaware of.
FTF: “Even though awareness about mental health and surrounding issues are gradually coming to light, there is still a lot of stigma surrounding mental illness. Many, especially those in rural areas, are unaware of mental illness and about how and where to seek help. Through this walk, we hope to spread awareness by conducting a series of workshops along the way. Footsteps to Freedom is also about empowering communities to find freedom from stigma and shame associated with mental illness. We hope to create a conversation about mental health and positive living by involving people of different social strata in our project. We believe that every footstep we take on our journey, would create a ripple effect of awareness, compassion and reduce stigmatization, which in turn would promote positive mental health in all of us”
The walk is scheduled to commence on the 18th of August 2016, spanning approximately 40 – 50 days, and passing through many locations such as Ratnapura, Kandy, Dambulla, Vavuniya, Kilinochchi and many others. By covering more ground, the team hopes to extend their reach to rural and remote areas as well.
When questioned about the importance of such a project, along with where Sri Lanka stands when it comes to mental health, this is what the team had to say:
“Sri Lanka had the highest rate of suicide in the world in 1995 and is still approximately amongst the top four countries with the highest suicide rates globally. Alcoholism, domestic violence and child sexual abuse rates are also on the rise every day, and only a fraction of those affected seek/have access to help. There is still stigma and discrimination surrounding mental illness and this affects people from all walks of life. We still have a great deal of work to do in Sri Lanka where mental health and well-being is concerned and this has to come from everyone, not just the health sector. We are all responsible, as citizens of this country towards the well-being of our fellow people.”
Nivendra and Hansini are enthusiastically committing much time and effort to work towards this cause. If you’re passionate about mental health and want to make a difference, but can’t walk the 500+ km, don’t worry. We have the perfect solution for you.
Here’s how you can help:
- You are encouraged to join during any phase of the walk to support the cause and strengthen the voice for promoting better mental health in Sri Lanka
- The team will welcome any support in the form of accommodation/food en-route at various stops
- Aiding with sponsorships in the form of gear and equipment for the walk
- You can also donate to the organized flood relief fund, where all proceeds go towards the provision of mental health services for children and young people affected by the recent floods and disasters in Sri Lanka. The account details are as follows:
Account name: Footsteps to Freedom
Account No – 106000735348
Bank Code – 7214
Branch Code – 004
SWIFT Code – NDBSLKLX
- And a Bonus: You can also attend a live concert! ‘All you need is…Love’ will be held on the 16th of August, from 7.30 – 9.00 pm, at the Lionel Wendt Auditorium, with performing artist Rukshan Perera and friends. Similarly, all proceeds from the ticket funds will go towards the flood relief fund.
For any further inquiries about how you can aid the project, contact footstepstofreedom2016@gmail.com
Or visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/mentalhealthsrilanka/?fref=ts
Our community has a long way to go in terms of being comfortable with the importance of mental health. Footsteps to Freedom is making giant leaps for Sri Lanka.
Help where you can and don’t remain silent. Spread the word!
