Fund a Student

Atman

Atman is a means to destigmatize and educate the youth on mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, stress induced changes; while having a robust way of identifying them through a mental health screener of Mental health in Students. EDUCAIT, through its interactions with students, realised the need to create a free to use method to screen for any issues.

Born out of long sessions of brainstorming among the team at EDUCAIT, we realised that there is a need to introduce youth and adolescents to mental health across all socio-economic settings, without making them feel guilt or shame.

The goal is not to diagnose or label individuals, but to identify mental health concerns in a subtle, yet effective way. This initiative, although currently student focused, is expected to reach corporate spaces and more with time.

Atman comprises of three phases:

  1. Sensitization Phase:

    The first step towards change is awareness. Atman’s goal is to create a simple and effective model for creating awareness on mental health concerns. This includes activity based exercises to build rapport, myth busters to destigmatize and exploring ways to manage mental health issues. Creating this prelude to the mental health screener will help make them comfortable and answer more honestly. >

  2. Screening Phase:

    Knowing oneself is the beginning of wisdom and change. Atman takes mental health forward by offering a unique and comprehensive screener for mental health. The screener has simple objective based questions which are then calculated to offer probing questionnaires suitable to an area. The questions for the screener are carefully curated, keeping in mind the age group, socio-economic status and common concerns.

  3. Action Stage:

    In order to take the mental health concerns in a robust direction, Atman incorporates validated psychological assessment tools which can provide more subjective insight. However, Atman seeks to explore not rectify. Thus, the results and reports are given to the individual/ caregivers who can then decide to take the concern with the necessary professional bodies such as counsellors, psychologists, etc,.

Rationale:

  1. In line with the current Educational Atmosphere:

    The NEP aims to improve the mental well-being of students under objectives listed as holistic assessment, guidelines for self-harm and counselling (Govt of India, Ministry of Education 2023). Atman attempts to fulfil these objectives by providing a simple tool to screen, sensitize and provide opportunities for students across economic strata to be introduced to concepts in mental health.

  2. Provision for early intervention and screening:

    With the changing socio-economic climate, psychological concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, etc., are seen to affect the well-being of young adolescents. Atman aims to identify the potential issues and provide for early intervention, which has proven to be extremely helpful in long term management.

  3. The Need for Awareness:

    With the changing economic and social climate, there are different stressors for the current youth. Having screeners like Atman can help give insights into mental health for professionals, teachers and parents while also acknowledging the youth’s issues.