This year’s World Mental Health Day, on 10 October, comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with the new realities of working from home, threatened livelihood, attending online lectures, home-schooling children, grief of losing a loved one and lack of physical contact with family members, friends and colleagues has made all of us more vulnerable. Under the given circumstances, it is expected that the need for mental health and psycho-social support will substantially increase in the coming months and years.

           In India, we can see a substantial gap between those who need care and those who have access to care. The reasons can be many, but some of the common reasons are stigmatization, neglect or ignorance. 
           With an objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and attempt to make mental health care, a reality for everyone, Global shapers, Imphal Hub, Directorate of University and Higher Education, Manipur and State Project Directorate, RUSA, Manipur with knowledge partner as The Making of You are introducing a comic, driven to achieve the above objective.
          Awareness is a form of education. The more you know, the more power you have. It is the key to understanding what mental health is and how individuals and families can receive the help they need. Public knowledge is very important in accessing community resources. The drive through these comic strips will make people aware about the importance of Mental Health, common signs and symptoms of Depression and Anxiety and promote self-care. 
       This is the story of Harry and Hugo who go on this journey of exploring different places while travelling on THE MINDFUL EXPRESS, where they both unravel the importance of Mental Health which silently takes away our power to function to the best, if ignored. 
The comic will be in three  different languages- English, Manipuri and Hindi.
Watch out for us and stay updated!