STAMFORD, CT (TIP): The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – Connecticut Chapter (GOPIO-CT) hosted a highly engaging virtual seminar to celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month.

Dr Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO International and Trustee of GOPIO-CT started the seminar with introducing GOPIO and its chapter in Connecticut with all its activities and how one can participate. He then introduced GOPIO CT President Jaya Daptardar, who was the driving force behind organizing a wellness seminar and panel discussion on May 30th, 2024, via Zoom. The event was well received by the attendees.

The seminar focused on the theme of “Embracing Wellness and Cultivating Mental Health Awareness” and featured an impressive and diverse panel of speakers. The panelists included Dr. Mohini Ranganathan, an associate professor of Psychiatry at Yale School of Medicine and a practicing psychiatrist for 20 years, and Dr. Jaya Daptardar, an Ayurvedic Doctor with 25 years of experience who also serves as the Chief Compliance Officer for Bridges Healthcare in CT, and Mini Santosh, an Early Childhood Director with Community Action Agency of Western CT.

At the seminar, Dr. Mohini emphasized that no community is immune to mental health issues and stressed the importance of open conversations about mental health. She also highlighted the lack of adequate awareness and conversation about mental health in the South Asian American community, while also noting an eagerness to learn about it.

“It is important not to be shy about discussing behavioral health issues, “

Dr. Jaya Daptardar underlined that behavioral health challenges are not specific to any particular race, ethnicity, or gender. She emphasized the importance of identifying early signs of behavioral changes and challenges and starting conversations to seek help. She also discussed various therapies and treatments available, as well as simple prevention and wellness methods such as breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga.

Mini Santosh, an educator in early childhood education, spoke about the need for more attention to mental health, especially after the pandemic. She highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health in Indian communities and emphasized the importance of providing support and access to mental health services.

The panel discussion generated insightful questions from the participants, and the Q&A session provided valuable takeaways for parents and participants. It was evident that more panels and community conversations are needed to increase awareness of mental health in South Asian and Indian communities. GOPIO CT has a strong platform to offer health and wellness-related seminars for the community.

Over the last 18 years, GOPIO-CT, a chapter of GOPIO International has become an active and dynamic organization hosting interactive sessions with policy makers and academicians, community events, youth mentoring and networking workshops, and working with other area organizations to help create a better future. GOPIO-CT – Global Organization of People of Indian Origin – serves as a non-partisan, secular, civic and community service organization – promoting awareness of Indian culture, customs and contributions of people of Indian origin through community programs, forums, events and youth activities. It seeks to strengthen partnerships and create an ongoing dialogue with local communities.