Women have made great strides in all spheres. And yet, it must be admitted, being a woman is also very challenging. All the different roles she plays, mother, wife, daughter-in-law, caregiver, friend, colleague, boss, breadwinner, sometimes all at the same time, leave her more vulnerable for emotional upsets. Being the target of sexual and domestic violence adds trauma. It is seen that women are twice as prone to depression as compared to men. Today we need to step forward to focus on women’s emotional well being so as to create a generation of women who are confident to fight against everything that threatens their identity as an equal individual in society.
As an NGO working in the area of mental health from 1995, Maithri feels that anyone can help the lonely and depressed engage with life again. Briefly put, the key is to LISTEN, empathetically and non-judgmentally. Do not assume you know their problem and do not give advice. Wholehearted listening is the most valuable gift someone can give a fellow human being.
Look around. If there is someone who has lost interest in activities she enjoyed earlier, has difficulty in sleeping, has behavioural changes, is expressing negative thoughts, or saying that she is not interested in living, then she is depressed and lonely and probably even suicidal. She needs your help. Spare a few minutes to listen. Persuade them to make a call to Maithi’s helpline +91-484-2540530 or drop an email at maithrihelp@gmail.com. Maithri will help her to link with life. It is a free service for those in emotional need by dedicated and trained volunteers who are available every day, Sunday to Saturday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Let us join hands in helping our loved ones conquer depression and feelings of loneliness and isolation. Together we can build a confident force of women with a lot more resilience to fight against adversities.