Prime Minister Modi, in his “Mann ki Baat” program on March 27th 2017, urged Indians to End the Stigma against mental illness and start to openly discuss mental health issues. Dr. Gauthamadas Udipi with the Rotary Club of Madras and a pool of young Roaractors joined hands to come up with a campaign to create awareness on mental health and stigmas around it. ‘மன நலம்: இழுக்கறு ; Mental Health - End Stigma’ is the title of the campaign which runs  from 3rd September to 13th October 2018. The campaign includes a state - wide Short Film competition, workshops for change ambassador, campus activities, mental health conclaves and cultural events.

We are Kick - starting the campaign through inviting theme related short films for a pan state short film contest. Participants can submit their films on our official website www.endstigma.in. The winning first three films will be awarded (cash prize, certificates and momentous) by ace film and social personalities on 13th October 2018. We are also inviting posters and photographs through same website for respective competitions. From 3rd September to 13th October 2018; the Rotarians along with the Viscom Department of Loyola College will do in-campuses activities such as Flash Mobs, Street Theaters, Mime, Marathons, Thematic Workshops and Conclaves to create awareness on ‘Mental Health and Stigma’ across Chennai.

World mental health day, celebrated on 10th October every year across the world, is a day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma, World Mental Health Awareness Day 2018 will focus on Fitness #4Mind4Body which is all about personal journeys to health and wellness. The mentor and the founder of the campaigning Dr. Gauthamadas Udipi felt that the young people must be at the center of the campaign and added a tag line “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World” to customize the campaign in the community on the emerging trends and needs. 

Each year, millions of people face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects everyone directly or indirectly through family, friends or co-workers. Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread. In India, it is taboo to take a professional help when we suffer mental disorders. Young people are the one who suffer a lot due to the current lifestyle, rat-race, materialistic demands, work pressure, and huge expectations. Thus, Dr. Gauthamadas, Rotarians and other stakeholders decided to keep youth at the center of the campaign theme of this year. Let’s all use this year to emphasize the needs of our young people. It’s time to take a stand and demand more for this vulnerable population - our future depends on it!

ABOUT Dr GAUTHAMADAS UDIPI

Dr. Gauthamadas Udipi is a professor of psychiatry, specialist in Neuro Behavioural Medicine, and renowned psychiatrist in Chennai, India. He has been conferred the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ by the Indian Medical Association for his contribution to psychosocial interventions in disasters, public awareness on mental health, medical education, and service to the community.

ACTIVITY DATES - 

1.5th October - Deadline for Submitting Short films/poster/ Photograph at www.endstigma.in

2.10thOctober - Youth Conference on Mental Health at New College

3.11th& 12th October - In campus activities

4.13thOctober - End Stigma Filming and Awarding ceremony

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT – Dr Gauthamadas Udipi - www.docgautham.com, www.endstigma.in or call 98404 10197