On the occasion of World Mental Health Day and the 11th Foundation Day of the Rising India Research Foundation, a special session was conducted for students of Bachelor's and Master's of Social Work from Tilak Maharashtra Vidyapeeth. The session, themed "Let's Prioritize Mental Well-Being," aimed to raise awareness about the mental health challenges faced by social workers and provide them with practical strategies to manage their own well-being.

Dr. Tahreen Syed, Director of the Rising India Research Foundation and a distinguished psycho-oncologist, led the session by discussing how social workers, who are constantly engaging with communities to provide support, often face immense stress that can impact their overall well-being. She emphasized the need to normalize conversations about mental health, as the stigma attached to it often prevents individuals from seeking help. Dr. Syed also highlighted common challenges such as burnout and compassion fatigue among social workers and guided students through various activities to address these concerns. Additionally, she introduced the application of the PERMA model of well-being, offering practical tools for maintaining mental health in their professional lives.

Alisha Crasto, a clinical psychologist, contributed by discussing the barriers to accessing mental health support. Through an interactive game, she taught students effective self-care strategies, helping them understand how to safeguard their mental health while continuing their work in social services. The session provided valuable insights and was an engaging experience for the students, preparing them to manage the mental health demands of their future roles.