Conversation on mental health in Indian communities organized

Brisbane, November 26 (Australia India News Newsdesk)

Brisbane’s Indian community gathered on November 23 for the ‘Let’s Talk: Indian Communities Mental Health Forum 2024’, an event aimed at fostering open conversations about mental health and well-being. Held at the Hare Krishna Temple, Burbank, and funded by the Queensland Government Community Benefit Fund, the forum was organized by Multicultural Community Connect Queensland (MCCQ) in partnership with Ethnic Communities Council of Queensland (ECCQ), Bhartiya Samaj, and the Hare Krishna Temple.

The forum emphasized culturally sensitive approaches to mental health, with presentations from leading experts. Dr. Ram Mohan, Editor, Australia India News, highlighted the role of Mental Health First Aid in multicultural communities and ECCQ’s initiatives for inclusive health strategies. Pushpa Vaghela, a transformational leader, shared MCCQ’s vision to connect diverse cultures for collaborative mental health solutions. Dr. Tarun Sehgal, a consultant psychiatrist, discussed various mental health challenges and introduced a mental health app developed by him and his team.

Bharti Gitay, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker, led a mindfulness exercise, shared practical strategies, and engaged the audience in addressing challenges faced by culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families. The event concluded with a talk by Saki Rai Das on the significance of spiritual awareness in mental well-being. The evening ended with a community dinner, offering attendees a chance to network and share experiences in a supportive environment.

The forum addressed stigma surrounding mental health and provided practical tools for individuals and families. Attendees praised the event for creating a safe, inclusive space and empowering the Indian community with knowledge and resources tailored to CALD challenges. By combining expert advice, cultural sensitivity, and community support, the forum set a strong foundation for ongoing mental health advocacy in Brisbane’s Indian community.