“Happiness and Wellness During Crucial Times of Our Lives”- A Healing Sesssion @HOPE Foundation, Trivandrum
Mrs Rajula Maniyeri conducted a deeply impactful and thought-provoking session titled “Happiness and Wellness During Crucial Times of Our Lives” at the HOPE Foundation in Trivandrum on the occasion of world mental health day ,2024. This event was specially designed for parents of children who have survived cancer, as well as for couples who have faced the emotional and psychological strains brought about by their child’s diagnosis and recovery. The session was aimed at providing a space of healing, understanding, and empowerment for families who have navigated the intense challenges of childhood cancer.
The session began with a warm welcome from the HOPE Foundation, where Rajula Mnaiyeri introduced the topic of the day: happiness and wellness during life’s most crucial moments. Acknowledging the profound emotional toll that a cancer diagnosis and recovery can take on families, Rajula emphasized the importance of mental well-being, not just during recovery, but throughout the long-term journey that families face together. She highlighted how the road to emotional recovery often requires more than just physical healing—it demands attention to the mental, emotional, and relational aspects of well-being.
Rajula’s approach was holistic and compassionate, acknowledging that while parents and caregivers are often so focused on the child’s recovery, they can easily overlook their own mental health. The session was designed to help attendees understand that self-care, emotional resilience, and maintaining a sense of joy and connection are essential parts of the healing process for the entire family unit.
Key Themes and Insights Shared:
- The Emotional Roller Coaster of Cancer Recovery:
Rajula began by exploring the psychological landscape that families often navigate when dealing with childhood cancer, noting that the process can feel like an emotional roller coaster. Parents and caregivers often experience a mix of relief, gratitude, guilt, fear, and exhaustion as their child goes through treatment and recovery. These intense emotions can sometimes create a sense of instability or lead to feelings of burnout.
Rajula encouraged parents to acknowledge and validate their emotional responses, reassuring them that what they were feeling was both natural and understandable. She also emphasized that healing is not a linear process, and emotional ups and downs are a normal part of the journey.
- Cultivating Emotional Resilience:
One of the core elements of the session was emotional resilience—the ability to adapt to adversity and bounce back from challenging experiences. Rajula shared practical strategies for building resilience in the face of hardship. She encouraged parents to focus on their strengths, build emotional flexibility, and adopt a mindset that views challenges as opportunities for growth.
Techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, and journaling were introduced as ways to help manage stress and stay grounded in difficult moments. Parents were encouraged to develop a routine of self-care, which included taking time for themselves, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and seeking support when needed.
- Maintaining a Sense of Joy and Happiness:
A significant part of Rajula’s session focused on the importance of finding joy and cultivating happiness even during difficult times. She spoke about the power of gratitude, the practice of focusing on small moments of joy, and the need to celebrate wins—no matter how small they may seem.
She explained that happiness is not always about grand moments or “perfect” outcomes, but about finding peace in the present and recognizing that it’s okay to feel joy even in the midst of hardship. Parents and caregivers were invited to share how they had found happiness during their journey, creating an atmosphere of positivity and mutual support.
- Supporting Relationships and Couples:
For couples, the session delved into the impact of a child’s illness on their relationship. Rajula acknowledged that the stress of managing a child’s health can sometimes strain relationships between partners, leading to feelings of isolation or miscommunication. She provided couples with strategies to reconnect, communicate openly, and support each other emotionally.
The importance of “relationship resilience” was a key point of discussion, with Rajula emphasizing the need for partners to lean on each other as sources of strength, compassion, and understanding. Couples were also encouraged to carve out quality time together—away from the hospital or treatment routines—to nurture their bond and reinforce their emotional connection.
- The Role of Support Systems:
Rajula discussed the significance of community and external support systems. She reminded the attendees that while the journey may feel isolating at times, they are not alone. Connecting with other families who have gone through similar experiences, as well as seeking professional psychological support when needed, can be critical in maintaining mental wellness. The HOPE Foundation itself was highlighted as a powerful resource, offering not only financial assistance but also a supportive network for families.
- The Power of Hope:
Throughout the session, Rajula reinforced the theme of hope, which is central to the mission of the HOPE Foundation. She explained how hope is not just about looking forward to the future but about finding strength in the present moment. By focusing on positive experiences, cultivating inner strength, and relying on the support of others, families can build a foundation of hope that sustains them through difficult times.
Impact of the Session:
By the end of the session, attendees expressed feeling more hopeful and empowered. Many shared that the session helped them realize the importance of taking care of their own emotional needs, as well as the value of finding joy and connection even during trying times. The interactive elements allowed for open dialogue and a sense of solidarity among families, and many felt inspired to take concrete steps toward improving their emotional well-being.
Rajula Mnaiyeri’s expert guidance, combined with the supportive environment fostered by the HOPE Foundation, created a memorable and healing experience for all those who attended. The session provided a reminder that, even in the most challenging circumstances, happiness and wellness are not only possible but essential for both the individual and the family.
About the HOPE Foundation:
The HOPE Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting families affected by childhood cancer. Through emotional counselling, financial assistance, and various community initiatives, the foundation aims to help families navigate the challenges of a cancer diagnosis and recovery. With a focus on holistic well-being, HOPE provides a compassionate and supportive environment for parents, caregivers, and children throughout their journey.
