Arts & Culture

Spoon University: Of The Scars That Don’t Show: Tame the Stigma, not the Human

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Spoon University Delhi Chapter has initiated a campaign called Of The Scars That Don’t Show: Tame the Stigma, not the Human with the intention of spreading awareness about mental health and acknowledgement of related issues.

The idea behind the campaign as pointed out by Niharika Maggo, the Editorial Director at Spoon DU, came up about because the issue was a personal belief. “Mental Health awareness is a cause very close to the heart of the Spoon UDelhi team and despite great strides in our understanding of mental illnesses and improvements in the efforts surrounding it, too many still suffer in silence.

That’s why we wanted to build an open dialogue that not only lets people share their experiences and thoughts but also encourages support and respect for those struggling with mental illnesses.” she mentions

They recruited ambassadors for the cause, whom they call Mental Health Heroes

(Album on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/788989617848556/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1278266235587556 )

These MHHs have been instrumental in spreading a word about the campaign and bringing more people to commence a dialogue.

Kritika Narula, Founder of the chapter, explains how the idea evolved.

“We began with the idea that we will serve as a platform where to use our reach to eliminate the stigma around mental health. The idea was to bring as much attention to the invisible Scars as to the physical ones.

From where we started almost a month back, we have now become a platform for vent and expression, what with the numerous stories of healing and ‘being there for loved ones through mental illnesses’ pouring in from all directions.

It has truly been a privilege to have started this campaign and get the opportunity to act as an outlet for expression. Healing through expression became our motto in no time.”

The same belief is held by Manya Sinha, a Mental Health Advocate from DCAC who says,”Browsing through people’s account and details of the same mental illness that I had gave me a sense of relief. Relief, because it assured me that I am not alone. Relief because I could always reach out to them and find comfort in the understanding. This is why I believe that this initiative is important because we never know who we are helping with our stories and our experiences. It is important to heal together.”

They have also received wishes from The Artidote founder Jova, who appreciated their efforts in a personal communication, who stated he is glad they’re also working towards raising mental health to have the same societal importance as our physical health.

They are also launching a e-magazine called An Ode To Semi Colon, which has received entries from professionals and students alike.

They have been regularly posting stories and poetic pieces that reek of vulnerability and expression of mental illnesses.

 

(Some examples: https://www.facebook.com/events/1231206973642919/permalink/1272757906154492/

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1231206973642919/permalink/1262552813841668/

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/1231206973642919/permalink/1272757906154492/#)

 

Maggo adds, “The response we received was heartwarming. With entries giving us a varied perspective, be it a patient’s point of view or a psychologist/ psychology teacher’s. We hope this campaign triggers a change, even if it’s not effected immediately. We hope that people recognise the scars that don’t show and also firmly believe that it’s not the end.

The campaign will culminate in an event called Spoon Summit 2.0 on 1st April 2017, at Jawaharlal Nehru National Youth Center ND Tiwari Bhawan ITO from 12 noon. The line-up of speakers performers and panelists includes people who have themselves suffered from depression, anxiety etc. Those who use art as an outlet and specialists from the field.

 

Event Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1231206973642919/

Registration Link: https://goo.gl/forms/slv9J6tiopGWvqFM2

 

Head of Web at DU Beat (2017-18), and a passionate writer from Miranda House, with a sweet tooth and a funny bone.

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