Mental Health

I Need to Know

An estimated one in four people globally will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.
Mental health problems are among the ten leading causes of disability in both developed and
developing countries. Mental illness is much more common than meets the eye.
Mental Illness can be treated. The treatment is inexpensive and can be provided by a trained medical
practitioner. Given proper treatment along with care and support from loved ones, a person with
mental illness can lead a meaningful and productive life.
Poverty, homelessness and mental illness are deeply inter-connected. The physical, emotional,
financial and psychological complexities of mental health cast their shadows on not just the sufferer
but also the family.
Awareness of Mental Health has to start first with each one of us.
Mental Health I need to know is an information campaign that aims to raise awareness on mental
health. This calendar is an initiative under the campaign. It reminds us to be watchful, sensitive and
empathetic towards people with mental illness as our understanding could help someone find a way.
The sketches are courtesy Mr. V.G. Venugopal and are taken from a book titled Hidden in Full View
authored by Mr. Ronojoy Sen.
This is a product of Mental Health Initiative (MHI) supported by Sir Ratan Tata Trust and Navajbai
Ratan Tata Trust. For more information visit our website www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

2 0 1 2

Participate

The Mental Health Movement needs you.

Join the circle of hope and make a mark in life.

January 2012
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www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Support

Poor access to treatment, care and support from family could push
a person with mental illness out on the streets.

February 2012

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Dignity

With regular treatment, care and support people

with mental illness can lead a life with dignity.

March 2012

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4 5 6 7
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25 26 27 28

Thu

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www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Understanding
Aged persons with mental illness need even more sensitivity, patience and understanding.
They need to know that they matter.

April 2012
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www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Self Esteem

Vocational training and rehabilitation can improve the productivity,

confidence and self-worth of a person with mental illness.

Sun Mon

6 7
13 14
20 21
27 28

May 2012
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1 2 3 4 5
8 9 10 11 12
15 16 17 18 19
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www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Love

Early identification of symptoms of mental illness and early initiation of

treatment can prevent undesirable events within and outside the family.

June 2012

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3 4
10 11
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24 25

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26 27 28 29 30
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Empathy

Listening and empathizing is comforting and goes a long way

in ensuring positive mental health.

July 2012
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Fri

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Dare to Care

Lend a helping hand - someone may be waiting for you to restore the
hope and rhythm in their life.

August 2012

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Wed Thu

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5 6 7 8 9 10 11
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26 27 28 29 30 31
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Sensitive Homes Supportive Communities

Increased awareness and a strong support system will help
people overcome mental illness.

September 2012
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Fri

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30
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2 3 4 5 6 7 8
9 10 11 12 13 14 15
16 17 18 19 20 21 22
23 24 25 26 27 28 29

www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Non-Judgmental Attitude

Nearly 40% people living on the streets suffer from mental illness.
Stigma and discrimination towards them can have even more devastating effects.

Sun

October 2012
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Just be there

Patience, love and family support facilitates

the recovery process.

November 2012

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4 5 6 7
11 12 13 14
18 19 20 21
25 26 27 28

Thu

Fri

Sat

1 2 3
8 9 10
15 16 17
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29 30

www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

Empowerment with Knowledge

Are you curious about mental health? Call a helpline to learn more about mental health.
You can also contact us through our website: www.mentalhealthinitiative.in

December 2012
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30
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9
16
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31
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www.mentalhealthinitiative.in