Mental Health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood.

An Awareness Programme on Mental Health was conducted by Ms. Hema Ranawake of the Alokaya Counselling Centre for staff of the Mahaweli Authority of Sri Lanka.

Topics addressed were:

• What is Mental Health?
• The importance of maintaining good mental health
• Ways to uphold positive mental health.
• Factors that affect mental health
• Early warning signs of mental health problems.
• Where to find help?
• Solutions /interventions provided by Alokaya Counselling Centre
• Benefits of counselling.

FPA Sri Lanka’s Alokaya, provides a wide range of counselling services. It provides both individual and group counselling to its clientele. Issues relating to sexual and reproductive health, personality development, relaxation, stress management, trauma, are some of the areas addressed.

The stigma attached to particularly mental illness in our country prevents many from living a normal healthy life. Going to a doctor for a physical ailment does not raise any eyebrows, yet, visiting a therapist or a counselor for a mental discomfort is viewed as abnormal.

Mental health help is so essential. If you feel that you, or a loved one, need help for mental health, it's important to take action right away.

For further information or assistance do not hesitate to contact the Alokaya Counselling Center, on 2 584 157 ext. 162.

Confidentiality is assured.