The United Wellbeing Foundation organization and their approach to promoting mental wellness:
Mental health issues have become a growing concern worldwide, with rates of depression and other illnesses rising significantly in recent decades (World Health Organization, 2018). In developing nations like India, lack of awareness and access to treatment pose even greater challenges. The United Wellbeing Foundation (UWB) was established to directly address these issues within India by providing counseling services, community support, and advocacy initiatives focused on mental well-being. Through a multi-pronged approach, UWB aims to help those struggling with psychological difficulties and promote healthier attitudes towards mental health overall.
Services Offered
UWB offers a range of services to meet various needs. Their website lists online video counseling sessions with expert volunteers, providing a convenient option for those unable to meet in person. An online community chat forum allows individuals to connect, share experiences, and find support without stigma. Community outreach events like camps reach remote populations lacking other resources. Donations and volunteer opportunities empower people to participate in UWB’s mission. Numbers indicate over 150 cases have received help so far, with 84 resolved, showing their model effectively Helps those in need (United Wellbeing Foundation, n.d.).
Theoretical Approach
Research suggests venting anger often backfires by escalating negative emotions rather than relieving them (Bushman, 2002). UWB’s approach aligns with mood freezing theory, which proposes containing emotions through acceptance and relaxation instead of expression and aggression (Gross & Thompson, 2007). Techniques like distraction, addressing root issues, and changing routines have been shown to “freeze” moods in a healthier way (Ayduk & Kross, 2010; Nolen-Hoeksema & Aldao, 2011). By gaining control over emotions rather than being controlled by them, relationships and well-being improve (Roberton et al., 2012). UWB empowers individuals with evidence-based skills for mental wellness.
Community Impact
UWB addresses a serious need, as India faces rising rates of depression projected to be the leading cause of disease burden by 2030 (Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 2016). Lack of awareness and stigma compound difficulties accessing care (World Health Organization, 2014). UWB’s multi-pronged approach through counseling, peer support, and advocacy has potential for widespread impact. By meeting people where they are through online and community outreach, more can be reached. Normalizing conversations around mental health through campaigns may encourage those suffering in silence to seek help. With a team of over 80 volunteers, UWB amplifies its positive influence. If able to sustain and expand operations, this model shows promise for significantly improving wellness.
Conclusion
The United Wellbeing Foundation fills critical gaps in India’s mental healthcare system. Through counseling, community building, and advocacy focused on evidence-based strategies like mood freezing, UWB effectively promotes psychological wellness. Numbers indicate their multi-faceted approach successfully helps many receive needed support. With rising rates of mental illness and lack of alternatives for most, nonprofit models emulating UWB’s integrated services present hope. Continued growth could mean better mental health and quality of life for countless individuals. Overall, United Wellbeing Foundation makes an invaluable contribution towards prioritizing mental well-being.
References
Ayduk, Ö., & Kross, E. (2010). From a distance: Implications of spontaneous self-distancing for adaptive self-reflection. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 98(5), 809–829. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0019205
Bushman, B. J. (2002). Does venting anger feed or extinguish the flame? Catharsis, rumination, distraction, anger, and aggressive responding. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(6), 724–731. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202289002
Gross, J. J., & Thompson, R. A. (2007). Emotion regulation: Conceptual foundations. In J. J. Gross (Ed.), Handbook of emotion regulation (pp. 3–24). The Guilford Press.
Indian Journal of Psychiatry. (2016). National mental health survey of India 2015-16: Prevalence, patterns and outcomes. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 58(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.197533
Nolen-Hoeksema, S., & Aldao, A. (2011). Gender and age differences in emotion regulation strategies and their relationship to depressive symptoms. Personality and Individual Differences, 51(6), 704–708. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2011.06.012
Roberton, T., Daffern, M., & Bucks, R. S. (2012). Emotion regulation and aggression. Aggression and Violent Behavior, 17(1), 72–82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2011.09.006
United Wellbeing Foundation. (n.d.). United Wellbeing Foundation. Retrieved [Today’s Date] from http://unitedwell-being.org/
World Health Organization. (2014). Mental health: A state of well-being. Retrieved [Today’s Date] from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/mental-health-strengthening-our-response
World Health Organization. (2018). Depression and other common mental disorders: Global health estimates. Retrieved [Today’s Date] from https://www.who.int/mental_health/management/depression/prevalence_global_health_estimates/en/
