Odisha Launches Mental Health Week to Tackle Stigma and Promote Well-Being

Mental Health Week Initiative in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The state of Odisha is set to commemorate Mental Health Week in all educational and health institutions, as announced by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida on Tuesday. This initiative is designed to enhance awareness regarding emotional health and to challenge the stigma associated with mental health issues.

During her address at the Illness to Wellness Awareness Summit on Mental Health & Wellness, organized by the Illness to Wellness Foundation (IWF), Parida remarked, “Maintaining good mental health is crucial for individuals to navigate life's challenges effectively.” She pointed out that mental health issues extend beyond clinically recognized disorders and stressed the importance of fostering open conversations about these topics.

Parida expressed alarm over the rising mental health challenges faced by the youth. Referring to a 2025 study conducted by NIMHANS alongside international researchers, she revealed that one in ten students reported suicidal thoughts in 2024, with more than a third having attempted suicide. “We must not allow this trend to continue. Early intervention is vital, especially in managing stress, anxiety, and behavioral problems among students,” she emphasized. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, who was the guest of honor, acknowledged that mental health issues, previously thought to predominantly affect urban and student demographics, are now increasingly impacting rural and tribal populations.

To foster wellness among school-aged children, the state has incorporated 75 traditional and indigenous games into the educational curriculum. Anil Rajput, chairman of the IWF advisory council, commended the Odisha government's proactive measures, expressing optimism that such initiatives would catalyze a national movement towards improved mental health awareness.