Tag: Mental Health Awareness

EduConnect

Goa College of Home Science Hosts Workshop on ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’

Tanisha Cardozo

In observance of World Mental Health Day 2025, Goa College of Home Science, in collaboration with the State Tele-MANAS Cell Goa, organized a thought-provoking workshop centered on this year’s global theme: ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies’. The event emphasized the need for timely, accessible, and inclusive mental health care, especially during times of disaster, crisis, or public emergency.

The session brought together students, faculty, mental health professionals, and public health advocates to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by individuals during catastrophes — whether natural disasters, pandemics, conflicts, or displacement. It also highlighted the critical gaps in service access and the importance of telemedicine and remote psychological support systems, such as those enabled by the Tele-MANAS initiative, which was launched nationally to provide 24×7 mental health support.

Participants engaged in discussions on psychological first aid, trauma-informed care, and strategies for ensuring continuity of care during emergencies. The workshop also shed light on the growing mental health burden that arises during crises and the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations such as children, women, elderly individuals, and people with pre-existing mental health conditions.

This timely initiative aligns with the World Health Organization’s global call to action, advocating for strong mental health infrastructures that are resilient and responsive to emergencies. By facilitating such knowledge-sharing platforms, Goa College of Home Science continues to play a proactive role in shaping a more empathetic and prepared society—one that recognizes mental health as a priority, even in the face of adversity.

As the world continues to navigate climate-related disasters, post-pandemic trauma, and geopolitical uncertainties, the workshop underscored that ensuring mental health services during catastrophes is not just a medical necessity but a humanitarian imperative.

Health

Don Bosco College Panjim Hosts State-Level Mental Health Awareness Event

Tanisha Cardozo

Don Bosco College, Panjim, marked Mental Health Week with a powerful State-Level Mental Health Awareness Celebration on September 30, 2025. Organised by the Department of Psychology and the Wellness Club, in collaboration with the WOW Foundation and Aaji Care, the event served as a platform for dialogue, education, and empowerment around mental health, focusing on both youth resilience and dementia awareness.

The event featured a keynote address by Dr. Amit Dias, Assistant Professor at the Department of Preventive Medicine, Goa Medical College. His session, titled “Ask about Dementia, Ask about Alzheimer’s,” underscored the importance of early diagnosis, supportive caregiving, and breaking societal silence around aging-related mental health conditions. His insights were both informative and emotional, highlighting how dementia affects not just individuals but entire families and communities.

Adding to the depth of the event, Ms. Ketaakii Parob Gadekar, Founder and President of the WOW Foundation, led a highly engaging session on “Psychological Resilience among Teenagers.” With real-life scenarios and practical tools, she spoke about the increasing pressures faced by today’s youth and the need to equip them with strategies to manage stress, uncertainty, and emotional challenges in a rapidly evolving world.

Dr. Vijay Viegas, Head of the Department of Psychology, emphasized the impact of such events in creating mental health awareness at the grassroots level. Ms. Nerissa Zuzarte, the Event Coordinator, was instrumental in ensuring the smooth and impactful execution of the program, which saw participation from a wide spectrum of educational institutions including GVM College, St. Xavier’s College, Chowgule College, Carmel College, and Gomantak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya and Research Centre.

College Principal Dr. Cedric Silveira and Director Fr. Kinley D’Cruz praised the initiative, underlining the role of educational institutions in nurturing not just academic excellence but holistic well-being. They reiterated the need for ongoing efforts to normalise mental health conversations and provide safe spaces for students and faculty alike.

The event concluded with a collective reflection on the true meaning of mental health—not just as the absence of illness but as the presence of well-being, inner strength, and community support. The success of the program echoed a growing awareness in Goa’s educational circles: that mental health is essential, and the time to act is now.

Entertainment, Health

Retired Hollywood Actor Bruce Willis Drops an Emotional Note Amid Health Deterioration

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Intern Queeny George M.H , Team Allycaral

Renowned Hollywood actor Bruce Willis, who retired from acting in March 2022, is now facing one of the most difficult chapters of his life. The 70-year-old star, known for his iconic roles in Die Hard, Pulp Fiction, and Armageddon, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), a degenerative brain disorder that affects behavior, personality, and language. This diagnosis came after an earlier identification of aphasia, which led to his initial retirement.

In an emotional update shared by his wife, actress and model Emma Heming Willis, she revealed the heartbreaking reality of Bruce’s condition. “It is very hard and painful for my husband to deal with all of his illness and we are always there with him always. I am very grateful that he is there with us,” she shared in an interview with the BBC. Her words reflect the immense emotional toll this illness has taken on their family.

Currently, Bruce Willis is living separately under the care of professional caretakers, a decision made for both his wellbeing and the family’s peace of mind. Emma stated, “The caretakers are giving my husband the maximum care and it is the better way. Bruce would be here, but for health aid, it was mandatory to keep him separate, so that he recovers. I want the best for him and his welfare.”

The situation remains deeply painful. Willis, once one of the most charismatic actors in Hollywood, is no longer able to speak or remember much about his acting career or his family. Despite the heartbreaking progression of his illness, Emma and their two daughters remain his closest emotional support, even from a distance.

Bruce Willis’s decision to step back from the public eye was first announced in early 2022 when symptoms of cognitive decline and speaking difficulties emerged. Just a year later, his diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia confirmed what many had feared—a disease with no known cure that slowly robs individuals of their ability to communicate and connect.

His condition has moved fans and the global film industry, who remember him not only for his on-screen charisma but also for his down-to-earth personality and decades of cinematic contributions. This painful period in his life highlights the silent battles many families face behind closed doors when it comes to neurodegenerative disorders.

As Emma Heming Willis continues to advocate for awareness and care, Bruce’s story stands as a poignant reminder of the fragility of health and the importance of compassion, care, and love in the most challenging of times. His legacy lives on through his films and the enduring admiration of millions around the world.

Social

JCI Panaji’s Mental Health Matters – Breaking Stigma Awareness Workshop: A Resounding Success

allycaralgoa

JCI Panaji’s Mental Health Awareness workshop, “Mental Health Matters – Breaking Stigma,” was a groundbreaking event that brought together students from Smt. Sunandabai Bandodkar High School, Porvorim, to discuss mental health issues and potential solutions. The workshop was a resounding success, thanks to the active participation of attendees and the expert insights shared by guest speaker Mita Arora, Counselling Psychologist & Relationship Counsellor.

The workshop provided a safe and supportive environment for students to open up about their mental health concerns and struggles. Mita Arora’s expert guidance helped attendees understand the importance of seeking help and reducing stigma around mental health issues. Through interactive discussions and sharing of experiences, participants gained valuable insights and learned from others.

The workshop fostered a sense of community among attendees, promoting support and understanding of mental health. Participants left the event feeling empowered and motivated to prioritize their mental well-being. JCI Panaji’s commitment to promoting mental health awareness globally was evident throughout the workshop, and the organization remains dedicated to this cause through future initiatives.

As part of its year-long focus on mental health awareness, JCI Panaji aims to reach people across the globe and promote a culture of support and understanding. The organization believes that mental health matters and is committed to breaking down barriers and stigma surrounding mental health issues.

JCI Panaji invites you to join the movement to promote mental health awareness and support. Together, we can create a world where mental health is prioritized, and individuals feel empowered to seek help without fear of stigma or judgment.

Social

St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Shines Light on Mental Health with Awareness Programme

allycaralgoa

The Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, Mapusa, Goa, recently took a significant step towards promoting mental health awareness in their community. On 9th February 2025, the parish organized a comprehensive awareness programme on mental health, facilitated by renowned psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar.

The event, which drew a crowd of nearly 200 people, was a resounding success. Participants greatly appreciated the programme, expressing their gratitude for the insightful information and expert guidance provided by Ms. Gadekar and her team. The audience was also eager to learn more, posing a multitude of questions related to mental health.

Ms. Gadekar and her team addressed these queries with sensitivity and professionalism, dispelling many common myths surrounding counselling and mental health. The programme’s impact was evident in the enthusiastic response from the attendees, who requested more such initiatives to be conducted in the future.

The parish recognizes that mental health is an essential aspect of overall wellbeing and is committed to creating a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue and empathy. By organizing this awareness programme, the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, has demonstrated its dedication to promoting mental wellbeing and responding to the deeply felt needs of its community.

The success of this initiative serves as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting mental health awareness. As the parish continues to organize more programmes and activities focused on mental wellbeing, it is clear that the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler, is at the forefront of creating a more compassionate and inclusive community.

Key Highlights:

  • The awareness programme on mental health was organized by the Social Apostolate Cell and Family Apostolate Cell of the St. Francis Xavier Church, Duler.
  • The event was facilitated by psychologist and counsellor, Ms. Ketaki Parob Gadekar, and attended by nearly 200 people.
  • The programme aimed to educate the community about mental health, dispel common myths, and provide resources for support.
  • The parish plans to organize more programmes and activities to promote mental wellbeing and respond to the needs of its community.