MANODARPAN – Psychosocial Support for. Mental Health & Well Being of. Students during the. COVID Outbreak and beyond. An initiative by Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD)
The Manodarpan portal has been launched on 21 July 2020 by the Union Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). The official website of the MHRD Manodarp initiative under the Atmanbir Bharat Abhiyan is manodarpan.mhrd.gov.in. Through this channel, Govt. Mood will provide support for the mental health and well-being of students with the outbreak of COVID-19 and beyond. In addition, the government has also started a national toll-free helpline number on 844 844 0632 to solve the problems of students.
In the MHRD Manodarapan portal, there are suggestions for school students, teachers and parents. In addition, there are also suggestions for university or college students, teachers and families. This mentorship website includes 21st century skills (a booklet), motivational posters, CBSE podcasts and personal personality messages.
MHRD psychotherapy portal launched for psychosocial support to students
The MHRD felt the need to focus on continuing education and mental wellbeing of students on the educational front. Therefore, the Manodarapan initiative has been launched to cover a wide range of activities to provide psychosocial support to school, college, university students for their mental health and wellbeing during the COVID outbreak and beyond. It has been included in the Atmanbir Bharat Abhiyan as a part of efficient reforms and initiatives for strengthening human capital and enhancing productivity and education sector. Here are important features and highlights of this initiative.
Tips for school students, teachers and parents
| Quality Family time | Spend time by playing with family on board games, antakshari, other indoor games, music and crafts. |
| Learning can be fun | Creative thinking can go beyond the academic learning by participating in household chores, supporting younger siblings and parents. |
| Interactive Online classes | Support teachers in participating actively in online classes which will go a long way for enriching the utility and productivity of these times. |
| Empower Adolescent Peer Support | Come forth to be a peer educator/mentor by initiating and innovating online based peer support programs on life skills enrichments. |
| Learning with Life Skills | Encourage children to read and exchange things they have read or learnt beyond textbooks. |
| Engage in Playful Activities | Drawing/painting or story telling can help them express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment which can release emotions like fear or anxiety. |
| Provide Support and Attention | Seek guidance from the school principal/counsellor or special educators about a child with special needs and contact the local medical authority, if needed. |
| Promote Resilience | Motivate children to write about new skills and positive stories they have developed being at home and how they are spending their time with family. |
| Active Listening | Actively listen to children’s difficulties, clarifying doubts, reassuring them, generating hope and providing emotional support in resolving issues. |
| Be a Role Model | Children are very perceptive and closely observe your actions. Parents can support by managing their own stressors so that they can be role models. |
| Healthy Lifestyles | Set time for sleep, waking up, healthy balanced diet, learning and playtime as structured schedule to stay focused and motivated. |
| Provide Authentic Information | Discuss facts about covid-19 and share facts which will help in reducing fear and distinguishing them from myths & rumours. |
Tips for University / College Students, Faculty & Families
| Prioritize self-care | In these times of uncertainty, focus on what you can control and take care of yourself to stay healthy. |
| Use Healthy Coping | Plan for your next goal, learn new skills or connect with friends and family. |
| Acknowledge your feelings | It is normal to feel anxious or worried. Recognize your feelings and express them with someone you trust to feel better. |
| Support your students | Send positive messages and connect with your students. Extend emotional support if needed. |
| Care and Share | Care for yourself and your family and reach out to friends, colleagues and your family to relieve any stress. |
| Identify professional support | Familiarise yourself with available counseling services for students in campus, online or over phone. |
| Validate their feelings | Support your ward and empathise with their feelings. |
| Provide Active Support | Interact with your ward and reassure them that you are there for them. |
| Improvise daily schedule | Engage in pleasant indoor activities like games and music with all family members. |
Do’s & Dont’s to Protect Yourself & Others from COVID-19
- Do’s
- Practice hand washing frequently. Wash hands with soap or water or rub hands based on alcohol. Wash hands even if they are visually clean.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief / tissue while sneezing and coughing.
- Immediately after use throw the used tissues into a closed compartment.
- If you feel unwell (fever, difficulty in breathing and cough), see a doctor. Wear a mask / cloth to cover your mouth and nose while visiting the doctor.
- If you have these signs / symptoms, please call the state helpline number or the 24X7 helpline of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare at 011-23978046.
- Avoid attending large gatherings.
- Dont’s
- Keep close contact with anyone. If you are experiencing cough and fever.
- Touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Spit in public.
India’s COVID-19 case crossed the 11.6 lakh mark with 681 deaths in the last 24 hours with the highest single-day of 40,425 new cases. The total cases in the country are now 1.16 million while the death toll is 28,084. The Ministry stated that the total number of cases comprised 390,459 active cases and 725,087 cases have been rectified and discharged (recovered).