New Delhi: ADRA India in partnership with V4A Cycling & Running Club is hosting a 30-km Cyclothon to on October 09, 2022 to commemorate World Mental Health Day. Around 50 participants from all walks of life will rally for the cause.
The Cyclothon will be followed by an interactive session by Carl Wilkens, Humanitarian Aid Worker, Storyteller and International Speaker. Carl Wilkens chose to serve in Rwanda during the 1994 Genocide. He chronicles his journey in the book ‘I’m Not Leaving’. Carl Wilkens has also been featured in documentaries for his time and experiences in Rwanda.
World Mental Health Day is observed every year on October 10 to raise awareness on mental health issues and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health. This year, World Health Organization (WHO) is campaigning on the theme ‘Make mental health for all a global priority’.
A study on mental health burden in India conducted in 2017 revealed that one in seven Indians were affected by mental disorders of varying severity. As per the study, in 2017, 197.3 million people had mental disorders in India, including 45.7 million with depressive disorders and 44.9 million with anxiety disorders.
Despite the high prevalence of mental health problems in India, the issue remains a taboo due to lack of awareness. People facing mental health problems also face societal discrimination, which leads to them not talking about their problems or seeking professional help.
The burden of mental health diseases and issues has seen a further rise since the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. The pandemic has been challenging for people due to several reasons such as the loss of loved ones, loss of employment and income, isolation, increase in domestic violence, etc.
ADRA India is working with the tea garden communities of Assam to provide psycho-social support and counselling to the marginalized people dealing with the stress and aftermath of COVID-19.
Adventist Development & Relief Agency (ADRA) India is a development and humanitarian
organization. ADRA has been reaching out to the most vulnerable and marginalized
communities in the country for over thirty years. ADRA India is part of ADRA
International's global network, which implements relief and development programming in
over 118 countries. ADRA India focuses on key developmental aspects like healthcare,
education, livelihoods, humanitarian and emergency response, and protection of vulnerable groups. To learn more, visit our website www.adraindia.org
The event will be held on October 9, 2022 at Crowne Plaza, Okhla 6 am onwards. The cycle rally will begin at 6 am and the session by Carl Wilkens will be held at 8 am.
