World Mental Health Day

On 10th October 2025, the Centre for Counselling and Health Services (CCHS) at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa Campus, observed World Mental Health Day through a thoughtful and introspective event titled “The Labyrinth Within – A Journey to Self and Support.” The initiative sought to encourage students to reflect on their emotional well-being, embrace self-compassion, and recognize the importance of taking moments of pause in the midst of a fast-paced academic life.

As part of this larger initiative, CCHS introduced the “Wall of Affirmations” — a creative and heartfelt activity that invited students to write messages to their past, present, or future selves. The idea was simple yet profound: to help individuals connect with their inner voice and offer themselves words of kindness, gratitude, or encouragement.

Two Walls of Affirmations were installed in prominent spaces on campus — near the University Hall in the Management Block and near the Smart Room in the Central Block. Each wall carried a gentle invitation for students to “pause, breathe, and reflect,” encouraging them to slow down and engage with their thoughts. Sticky notes and pens were made available, and soon the walls began to fill with colorful messages — each one a reflection of a personal journey, a moment of courage, or a whisper of hope.

The affirmations varied widely — some were tender messages of forgiveness to the past, others were gentle reminders of strength for the present, and many looked forward to the future with optimism. Notes like “I forgive myself for what I didn’t know then,” “You’ve come a long way, and that’s enough,” and “I believe in the person I’m becoming” captured the vulnerability and resilience of the students who participated.

What made the experience even more meaningful was the sense of community it created. Students were invited not only to write but also to read the affirmations left by others. In doing so, they discovered comfort, understanding, and shared humanity in the words of their peers. The walls became spaces of quiet connection — reminders that while everyone’s journey is unique, the emotions that shape us are often universal.

The Wall of Affirmations reflected the essence of World Mental Health Day — the importance of awareness, empathy, and self-reflection. It reminded participants that caring for one’s mental health begins with being kind to oneself and acknowledging one’s growth, no matter how small.

“The Labyrinth Within – A Journey to Self and Support” and the Wall of Affirmations together created a powerful symbol of introspection and healing. The labyrinth metaphor served as a reminder that the journey toward self-understanding is not linear — it involves turns, pauses, and moments of rediscovery.

The observance of World Mental Health Day 2025 at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Pune Lavasa, was more than an event — it was an invitation to reflect, reconnect, and reaffirm one’s sense of self. Through initiatives like The Labyrinth Within and the Wall of Affirmations, CCHS continues to promote a culture of openness, emotional awareness, and collective care on campus.

In a world that often urges us to move faster, the initiative gently reminded everyone to slow down, breathe, and speak to themselves with kindness — because sometimes, healing begins with just a few affirming words.