Survivors of human trafficking and gender-based violence often experience mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, self-harm, and post-traumatic stress. These issues can be debilitating and impact their quality of life without proper knowledge and support. Fostering mental health literacy is an essential component of building resilient individuals and communities.
Eleison provides Community Mental Health (CMH) services for survivors, increasing access to culturally-sensitive mental health care in safe and trusted community-based settings. As part of our CMH program, we conduct Community Mental Health Education (CMHE) sessions with survivors, their families, and community partners that encourage open communication about mental health, combat stigma, and create a space where individuals can express themselves without fear of judgment. Through these interactive learning sessions, we raise awareness and provide practical applications for promoting mental health and emotional wellness.
We recently held CMHE sessions with a residential care facility staff and with a local government youth group centered on understanding and managing emotions. Participants were guided through recognizing and understanding their emotions, learning to differentiate between feelings, and cultivating healthier emotional responses. The sessions also emphasized self-care strategies, such as mindfulness and breathing, to enhance emotional self-regulation. By providing participants with these skills, we empower them to face challenges with greater resilience and self-assurance. A participant shared positive feedback about their experience:
“I want to say a huge thank you to Eleison Foundation because their presentation on managing emotions is very engaging, and the facilitator let us know that our feelings are valid.”
Another participant said:
“What I like most about the Eleison Foundation presentation is that I can apply it in real life when I’m dealing with my emotions, especially the PaNaThi – Pause, Name the Feeling, and Think. Through this, I can think of my actions wisely and manage my emotions.”
Let us unite to foster a world where mental health is prioritized, understood, and embraced. If you’re interested in having CMHE activities at your organization, email us at info@eleisonfoundation.org or message us here.
