Shillong, May 16: The Head of MATE (Mind Aid for Therapeutic Empowerment), Meeta Mishra, has stressed the importance of addressing rising mental health challenges among students through interactive workshops, counselling support, and collaboration with schools across Meghalaya.
Speaking to media persons during an interaction programme on mental health held at Polo Towers in Shillong on Friday, Mishra said the initiative is focused not only on students but also on teachers, with the aim of encouraging critical thinking, emotional awareness, and healthy coping mechanisms among young people.
She said the workshops are designed in a participatory and interactive manner so that children can openly engage, reflect, and express their thoughts.
“These workshops are designed in such a way that the children themselves participate and think about different issues. We use role modelling, storytelling, discussions and group activities to make them involved,” she said.
According to Mishra, the sessions focus on various aspects of mental wellbeing, including healthy routines and the importance of sleep.
“Everybody knows that sleeping is important and that we need around eight hours of sleep. But we also discuss why sleep is important, what it does to our body and how prolonged exposure to irregular routines can affect mental and physical health,” she added.
She stated that the workshops encourage students to critically examine their lifestyle habits rather than merely memorising instructions. Through such interactions, students gradually become more aware of stress, emotional challenges, and healthier ways of dealing with them.
Highlighting the growing concern over stress, depression, and suicide among students, Mishra said mental health intervention programmes can act as an important preventive mechanism if implemented effectively in schools and communities.
“Our goal is to strengthen the ability of young people to manage stressors and difficult situations. If people seek help early, it can help reduce tragic incidents,” she said.
Mishra informed that MATE conducts psychometric assessments to evaluate students’ emotional and psychological wellbeing, including stress levels, resilience, and mental health conditions.
Based on the findings, the organisation conducts workshops and awareness sessions to support students who may require special attention or counselling.
She further stated that when schools identify students facing emotional or social wellbeing issues, psychologists and psychiatrists associated with MATE provide counselling and collaborative intervention support.
According to Mishra, MATE has so far reached around 25 schools and plans to expand its collaboration with more institutions and communities across Meghalaya in the future.
She also pointed out that substance abuse and harmful addictions affecting physical health are closely linked to mental health conditions and must be addressed accordingly.
On the issue of confidentiality, Mishra clarified that information collected during assessments is never publicly shared with schools or outside organisations and is used solely for evaluation and support purposes.
She expressed hope that stronger cooperation and financial support from different sectors would help expand mental health programmes to more schools and communities across the state.
