Schools to mark Oct as Mental Health Month | Ahmedabad News

Ahmedabad: The state education department has directed govt, granted and non-granted secondary and higher secondary schools in Ahmedabad city and rural areas to observe Mental Health Month from Oct 1 to 31. The initiative, in coordination with the Union ministry of education, aims to promote mental well-being and create a supportive school environment for students.The first week (Oct 1 to 4) will focus on ‘Listen and Understand’, encouraging students to recognise that mental health matters and that seeking help is a sign of strength. The second week (Oct 5 to 11) is themed ‘Self-awareness and changing for betterment’ and will cover healthy living, emotions, self-care and physical health. Oct 10 will also be observed as World Mental Health Day.The third week (Oct 12 to 18) will promote ‘Connect with Others’ with an emphasis on healthy relationships, empathy, communication and a sense of belonging. The fourth week (Oct 19 to 25) will focus on safe digital spaces, sharing experiences and building support systems. The final week from Oct 26 to 31 will centre on ‘Creating Safe Schools: Every Voice Matters’, covering kindness, respect, preventing bullying and seeking help, a govt statement said.Schools have been given suggestions for activities including gratitude walls, kindness challenges, feelings circles, creative expression through art and writing, guided nature walks, appreciation-card making and bookmark designing. Students may also participate in mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, yoga and physical fitness activities. Reports will have to be submitted by Nov 10.