Report on "No Drugs and Depression Awareness Program"
13 February, 2025
Date: February 13th, 2025
Location: Migrant Labour Colony, Shollinganallur, Chennai
Organized by: Don Bosco Migrant Services
In Collaboration with: Tamil Nadu Mental Health Hospital (IMH)
Led by: Dr. Lakshmi and her team
1. Overview
On February 13th, 2025, the "No Drugs and Depression Awareness Program" was successfully conducted at the Migrant Labour Colony in Shollinganallur, Chennai. This event, organized by Don Bosco Migrant Services in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Mental Health Hospital (IMH), aimed to raise awareness among migrant workers about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of mental health. Dr. Lakshmi, along with her team of mental health professionals, led the session, which was attended by 78 migrant construction laborers.
2. Program Goals and Objectives
The program was designed to achieve the following goals:
Raise Awareness on Substance Abuse: Educating migrant workers about the detrimental effects of drug addiction, both physically and mentally.
Promote Mental Health Awareness: Empowering workers to understand mental health issues, such as depression, and the importance of seeking help when necessary.
Provide Practical Resources: Offering migrant workers information about available health services, counseling options, and support systems to address both mental health challenges and substance abuse.
3. Detailed Program Outline
Opening and Introduction
The session opened with a welcome address from Don Bosco Migrant Services, which set the tone for the event.
Dr. Lakshmi introduced the core topics of the session, explaining the psychological and physical dangers of drug addiction. Special emphasis was given to how these issues disproportionately affect the migrant community.
Key Topics Discussed
1. Substance Abuse and its Forms
Dr. Lakshmi discussed the various types of substance abuse encountered by migrant workers, including alcohol and narcotic drugs.
2. Mental Health and Drug Addiction
The link between substance abuse and mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and stress was highlighted.
3. Identifying Depression
Workers were educated on the common signs of depression and were encouraged to seek help if they noticed these symptoms in themselves or their peers.
4. Resources and Support Systems
Dr. Lakshmi provided information on available local resources, including health services, counseling, and helplines, specifically catering to migrant workers.
4. Participation and Engagement
A total of 78 migrant construction laborers participated in the program. The attendees were highly engaged, asking questions and contributing to the conversation. Many shared personal experiences regarding mental health struggles and substance abuse, highlighting the relevance of the program to their lives.
5. Feedback and Impact
The program received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge shared and the supportive environment in which the session was conducted. Key takeaways from the feedback included:
Breaking the Stigma: Many workers acknowledged the stigma around mental health and substance abuse, with several participants noting that the program had helped to reduce this stigma.
Desire for Continued Programs: Attendees expressed interest in more such awareness programs, emphasizing the need for regular sessions on similar topics.
Empowerment and Support: Several workers mentioned that they felt more informed and empowered to seek help if they encountered mental health issues or substance abuse problems in the future.
6. Conclusion and Recommendations
The "No Drugs and Depression Awareness Program" organized by Don Bosco Migrant Services, in collaboration with Tamil Nadu Mental Health Hospital (IMH), was a highly impactful and well-received initiative. The program successfully raised awareness on the critical issues of substance abuse and mental health among migrant workers, offering them valuable information and support.
Given the success of this program and the positive feedback from participants, it is recommended that similar awareness initiatives be held regularly to continue educating migrant workers, reducing stigma, and addressing the mental health and substance abuse challenges within this vulnerable community.
