Safa’s Counselling Centre to hold workshop on mental health awareness
In a world that often seems to race forward, the importance of taking a moment to pause, reflect, and prioritise our mental health cannot be overstated. World Mental Health Day falls on October 10 and this year’s theme chosen by the World Health Organization (WHO) – “Mental Health as a Universal Human Right,” is one that strikes a powerful chord with the Safa Counselling Centre that takes as its mission: nurturing lives through counselling.
The Safa Counselling Centre is a project by the Sri Lanka Muslim Women’s Conference, an umbrella organization of many Muslim women’s associations. This service-oriented organization strives to assist the community through counselling, awareness programmes and pre-marriage workshops.
In connection with World Mental Health Day, Safa’s Counselling Centre is conducting a free workshop on Mental Health Awareness. The workshop on October 14 from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. is open to all (above 16 years of age) and is aimed at promoting open dialogue about mental health, and building awareness so individuals may seek support.
Founded by Mrs. Ameena Mustapha who served as a senior counsellor herself in the community, Safa’s team includes senior counsellors Mrs. Zafrina Imran, Mrs. Nazliya Ashkar Mohideen, Mrs. Fadhiya R Saleem, Fahad Nazeer and trainee counsellors.
Safa’s team are sensitive to the unique needs of various cultural backgrounds and their clientele encompasses even Sri Lankans living abroad who take online counselling, and those visiting for holidays. During the COVID lockdown, foreigners who were stuck in the country were also counselled.
Education and de-stigmatization are at the core of Safa’s mission. Outreach programmes including pre-marital programmes, workshops, and community partnerships that facilitate open conversations about mental health in every area in life are held to create a supportive environment where individuals feel safe to seek help.
“We have to change the stigma associated with mental health because we believe that mental illness can be cured and treated just like physical illnesses,” said Sikhamani Ameena Musthapha, President of the SAFA Counselling Centre.
Workshops are also held to help students with coaching and guidance to face exams with confidence, develop their problem solving skills, memory enhancing skills, study tips and most importantly exam related stress management.
Pre-marital programmes prepare individuals for marriage and relationships. They are coached on emotional intelligence, developing and nurturing relationship skills, conflict resolution and stress management and mindfulness in relationships.
Free workshops on mental health and awareness are also held to create awareness and understanding on the importance of one’s mental well-being with as much emphasis on physical well-being as a holistic approach considers the whole person, addressing not only symptoms but also the root causes of mental health challenges. For clients in most clinical cases a further referral to a psychiatrist is strongly instructed/ recommended so psychotherapy and counselling provided at Safa is assisted with drug therapy they receive.
In some cases, referrals are made to speech therapists (in cases of clients facing speech challenges post-trauma, or for stroke patients going through depression). Clients are encouraged to lead more mindful and healthy lives with a diet change to help their mental health recovery. Recommendations to see a nutritionist or to start regular exercising to maintain stable moods and healthy routines are given.
The challenges associated with mental health are universal and unrelenting. Millions around the globe grapple with depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental health issues. Yet, stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to mental health services persist as significant barriers to care.
The most recent report from the World Health Organization (WHO) in September 2021 indicates that approximately one in four individuals globally will experience a mental health condition at some point in their lives. WHO underscores that mental health disorders affect people of all age groups, across all nations, and within every socioeconomic stratum. Common mental health disorders encompass depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and eating disorders, among others. Depression affects an estimated 264 million individuals worldwide, while more than 284 million people globally experience anxiety disorders.
For more information about Safa Counselling Centre’s services, resources, and events in support of World Mental Health Day 2023, please see their website, find them on social media or contact their centre in Kalubowila, Dehiwala.
Searching for an ideal partner? Find your soul mate on Hitad.lk, Sri Lanka's favourite marriage proposals page. With Hitad.lk matrimonial advertisements you have access to thousands of ads from potential suitors who are looking for someone just like you.