Helping our youth soar in spirit and minds

The growing number of suicides and suicidal tendencies among our youth is a serious mental health concern today. We need to assure our youth that they are not alone, that there is enough humaneness around them, and that many people in the world are ready to help.

Youth often do not openly speak about their battles with mental health whether it is depression or anxiety or the stress of silently dealing with the pressure to succeed in various walks of life. It is very important today, that we get rid of the taboo around mental health and talk as openly about it as we might discuss a physical ailment. We must encourage people to speak about their mental well-being.

An antidote to loneliness-a sense of belongingness
When we sense someone might not be happy, we do not just pass them by. We must stop and genuinely ask, “Is everything okay? Can I help you in any way?” Connecting with people and offering help is essential. By doing so, we can lighten the hearts and minds of many, to begin with.

Back in 2014, we initiated a Happiness Survey. Our volunteers went door to door, asking people about their happiness and any problems they might be facing. When our volunteers asked these questions, it brought immense relief to many. One young woman, in her response to the survey, shared that it was the first time someone had asked her whether she was happy and if she needed anything. Before this conversation, she had been feeling deeply emotional and unhappy. So, this is something that the entire society should be ready for—supporting one another and being there for each other.
Get into service
When thoughts of ending one’s life come in mind, one must realize the fact that we are here to help others and that we are useful. Get involved in some seva or service. When we do, we will discover a different kind of joy- the joy of giving.

Every time you feel low, just get out of the house and ask someone what can I do for you? You will immediately see the shift in your state of mind. Wake up in the morning and keep yourself busy in serving and caring for others. By night, you will be tired and ready for a deep, restful sleep.

Boosting the life force energy
It is observed that when people go through depression or have suicidal thoughts, increasing the life force energy within them can be immensely helpful. When people feel low, their prana or life force is usually depleted, which can lead to depression or suicidal tendencies. In such situations, physical exercise can help to some extent, but it may also cause fatigue. For those who find exercise difficult or tedious, yoga and meditation are effective ways to increase the prana without exhausting oneself. Good uplifting music can also support this journey of healing. Breathing practices like Sudarshan Kriya can be instant energy boosters and go a long way in this fight for better mental health which is the birthright of every individual and youth. When we have higher prana, fewer negative thoughts come into the mind.

Broaden the vision and deepen the root
We also need to broaden our vision for life and deepen our cultural and spiritual roots. Deepening our roots, gives a sense of responsibility and ownership, while a broader vision, gives a sense of relaxation. A broader vision and deeper roots mean responsibility with ease, calmness, and equanimity.

As students and youth, we should start dreaming about what we can give back to society. If we keep thinking about what we are going to get from this world, there will be no end to worrying but if we come from the space of contribution and think of ways we can bring happiness around, support the economy, bring communities together, and bridge the differences-this shift in our thought process will dissolve all the smaller worries and bring something great out of us.

When we are worried about the future or anxious, I would like us to do this- turn back and see this is not the first time we are feeling this way. We have been anxious before too. We were anxious about getting admission to colleges, clearing exams, or getting jobs. We made it through those moments of self-doubt and anxiety, and we will make it through these too.

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