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https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v1i1.173
Pavitra, K. S. (2024). Combining Art and Science: Adapting Poetry, Dance, and Music to Create Awareness of Women’s Mental Health—Observations from a Novel Experiment in the Community. Journal of Integrated Social Sciences and Humanities. https://doi.org/10.62836/jissh.v1i1.173
Volume 1, Issue 1, June 2024

Combining Art and Science: Adapting Poetry, Dance, and Music to Create Awareness of Women’s Mental Health—Observations from a Novel Experiment in the Community

Mental health awareness is crucial for early help-seeking and recovery in the field of mental health. Determinants of mental health include individual attributes, such as the ability to manage one’s thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and interactions with others. Additionally, social, cultural, economic, political, and environmental factors, along with specific psychological, personality, and genetic factors, play a significant role. This is especially true in the area of women’s mental health. Strengthening mental health awareness in India by employing innovative methods is essential. The author describes observations from a novel experiment conducted for various target populations in the community. This innovative program series was implemented in 50 different places. The qualitative data collected indicates that the program allows for a didactic pattern of interaction, enables the community to express their views, ask questions, and is more effective than routine posters, lectures, and advertisements used for mental health awareness campaigns. It appears to be more effective than using a single mode of creativity, such as literature, music, or dance. The author concludes that systematic studies need to be encouraged in this area. Mental health awareness efforts in India should include innovative techniques involving artists, writers, and psychiatrists.

dance music poetry mental health literacy women’s mental health

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