Puppet show raises awareness on mental health for Vysarpadi youth

Chennai: "I am sorry that you changed yourself to feel included," said a cloud to Elmer, an elephant, after listening to his story. The cloud was flying to learn about the world.
"I am not like other elephants. I was born light-skinned. Everyone teased me for that. So, I left my herd and blackened myself with jamun juice," said Elmer to the cloud. Then, nobody teased him. He felt accepted for the first time. Alas, it did not last. It rained one day, and his ‘true colours' came out. "We thought you were naturally that colour. We didn't know that teasing you would affect you so much that you had to change yourself. You could have told us. I am sorry," said another elephant to Elmer.
The cloud, elephants, and the surroundings were all mere paper cutouts whose shadows were supposed to make the children reflect on their mental health.
This puppet show was staged for around 150 children, aged 8-18, in Vyasarpadi as part of the mental health festival organised by the local community and civil society organisations, including Aarvam, Omega forum for social impact, and Aram Porul.
A nearby corporation school was recently busted for alcohol and substance abuse among students. "Addressing their well-being and mental health can prevent them from being addicted to drugs in the long term," said Sumithra Devi, the event coordinator.
Several activities were conducted at the festival held at Don Bosco School on Saturday. A skit was staged where a father did not allow his teenage daughter to travel outside the city after she was selected for sports competitions. He stopped her from even going to school. The drama showed her isolating herself, not talking to anyone or reaching out for help, indicating mental health distress.
Realising that he killed his daughter's smile, the father said, "Parents themselves are not aware of what the children need. I want you to be happy. Please go participate in the competition."
"If you need any help, please share it with someone you trust," said child psychologist Preenu, speaking to the children.