Tell us about the start of your journey working for a social cause. What spurred it on?
I handled public relations for Midday Publication in the early 90s and it got me comfortable talking to people. In 2004, I started volunteering for COOJ (Cause Of Our Joy) Mental Health Foundation. Its daycare centre Sahodaya provided psycho-socio rehabilitation to people with mental illness. In 2012 I took on the role of project coordinator of its new suicide prevention programme. Understanding mental health opened my mind to how important it is to have a good sense of mental wellbeing. But when one experiences emotional distress, social stigma keeps one from getting help. I decided to make a difference by spreading awareness. This journey groomed
me as a trained befriender in suicide prevention. A befriender is the first point of contact to anyone in emotional distress and wants to seek help but is uncomfortable in directly approaching a mental health professional. It’s been almost 11 years now.
What challenges do women face when attempting to resolve social issues?
A woman who chooses to take up social causes has to sometimes start from scratch. The entire system can
be challenging to make that change. Every cause is incomplete without a struggle and one has to gear up for any consequence, especially failure and being undermined as ‘a weaker sex’. A woman must have inner strength and the determination to face the reality
of social upheavals and ignorance, be strong willed to continue with immense fortitude and have the courage to persevere to bring that change in the system.
How important is your family support in your cause?
My father taught me to be content and to help people in need. Those values became part of my core mission. I have a very loving and supportive family who encourage me and a very good team of colleagues at COOJ. For me, this balance works extremely well.
What has been the toughest challenge you have faced so far? How did you overcome it and what did you learn from it?
My toughest challenge was when I lost a close neighbour to suicide.
I had spent quite a bit of time with this person and had offered help and support. But despite my training, I did not imagine they would die by suicide. It greatly emotionally disturbed me. My team and volunteers helped me through this time. We learned that one can only offer as much support as an individual wishes. We cannot hold ourselves responsible if they choose to end their lives.
How do you juggle your personal and professional life?
Part of my job encourages self-care. So I take time out from work to do things that rejuvenate my mind.
I love family time with my nieces and pets, Netflix, a short vacation once a year. Music and time with friends helps balance out the stress.
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