Mental Health of Students and the Community in Semi-Urban Nawalgarh
Abstract
Destination Nawalgarh is a subgroup of new global engagement activity at ETSU, the Global Handshakes initiative, promoting cultural immersion and exchange around the world. Outreach occurred in Nawalgarh, a semi-urban area in the State of Rajasthan within Northwest India. ETSU students were divided into groups based on personal interest; our group focused on the mental health/well-being of students and semi-urban Nawalgarh. We held insightful discussions with staff, students, educators, and community members to better understand the current state of mental health. Asking specific questions about the culture surrounding mental health, and how locals might approach suggestions regarding it. We learned while educational well-being was promoted in students, mental health was a cultural taboo for all age groups.Our aim was to open conversations about mental health/well-being, without imposing on existing cultural norms. Our proposed solution, Inner-Harmony Hub (IHH), would be a social enterprise geared towards promoting mental health conversations by hosting trained mental health professionals and community members. This hub would be a viable workspace for trained community members to go into homes, opening conversations with mothers interested in pursuing support. These frequent, adaptable visits would allow for slow progression of confidence and support to help expand trust and open communication to entire families. Finally, an informed professional would reside in the school’s grievance cell to be available to students wanting a safe space for mental health topics in a judgement-free, anonymous way. Ideally, these aspects would work together to promote safe and open conversation surrounding mental health throughout Nawalgarh.
Start Time
16-4-2025 1:30 PM
End Time
16-4-2025 2:30 PM
Room Number
210
Presentation Type
Oral Presentation
Presentation Subtype
Community Engaged Showcase
Mental Health of Students and the Community in Semi-Urban Nawalgarh
210
Destination Nawalgarh is a subgroup of new global engagement activity at ETSU, the Global Handshakes initiative, promoting cultural immersion and exchange around the world. Outreach occurred in Nawalgarh, a semi-urban area in the State of Rajasthan within Northwest India. ETSU students were divided into groups based on personal interest; our group focused on the mental health/well-being of students and semi-urban Nawalgarh. We held insightful discussions with staff, students, educators, and community members to better understand the current state of mental health. Asking specific questions about the culture surrounding mental health, and how locals might approach suggestions regarding it. We learned while educational well-being was promoted in students, mental health was a cultural taboo for all age groups.Our aim was to open conversations about mental health/well-being, without imposing on existing cultural norms. Our proposed solution, Inner-Harmony Hub (IHH), would be a social enterprise geared towards promoting mental health conversations by hosting trained mental health professionals and community members. This hub would be a viable workspace for trained community members to go into homes, opening conversations with mothers interested in pursuing support. These frequent, adaptable visits would allow for slow progression of confidence and support to help expand trust and open communication to entire families. Finally, an informed professional would reside in the school’s grievance cell to be available to students wanting a safe space for mental health topics in a judgement-free, anonymous way. Ideally, these aspects would work together to promote safe and open conversation surrounding mental health throughout Nawalgarh.