TO many of us, it can feel as though there are new things to do every day: a new task at work, added pressure at home, or simply a new trend to jump on. Guyana is no exception to the growing challenge of stress.

Non-profit organisation Humanitarian Mission Guyana (HMG) in recognising this issue, has decided to partner with some big names to help combat this growing problem.

Suresh Sugrim, a man who wears many hats, spoke to the Guyana Chronicle about the organisation’s newest initiative — mental health counselling sessions.

As the organisation’s long-time president and founder, Sugrim is leading the HMG in the provision of counselling in collaboration with the Humanitarian Assistance Programme team of the United States Embassy, the National Coordinating Coalition Inc., and Food For The Poor Guyana, Inc.

Hundreds of persons recently gathered at Babu Jaan in Port Mourant to participate in the organisation’s newest initiative.

While speaking with this publication, Sugrim emphasised the importance of mental health. “In today’s fast-paced world, mental resilience has become an essential trait for navigating the myriad challenges life presents. The increasing pressures from work, family, and personal expectations often leave individuals feeling overwhelmed and stressed. Recognising this growing concern, many communities and organisations are now offering stress-management counselling sessions aimed at fostering mental resilience and overall well-being.”

The first step in caring for one’s mental health is understanding it and according to Sugrim, menntal resilience refers to adapting to life’s adversities and maintaining a stable mental state, amidst chaos and stress.

“It is not about avoiding stress, but rather about developing the strength to face it, manage [sic] it effectively, and recover [sic] from setbacks. Building mental resilience involves a combination of emotional, psychological, and social factors that help individuals cope with stress in a healthy way,” he said.

Moreover, he explained that stress-management counselling sessions provide a structured environment where individuals can learn to identify stressors and develop effective coping strategies. These sessions are typically led by trained professionals who guide participants through various techniques to manage and reduce stress.

Sugrim further spoke on the importance of counselling and its impact.

“Counsellors help individuals pinpoint the sources of their stress, which is the first step toward managing it. Understanding what triggers stress can lead to more targeted and effective coping strategies. Through counselling, participants learn a variety of techniques to handle stress. These can include mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, time-management skills, and cognitive-behavioural strategies.”

He further emphasised that mental health should not be overlooked, sharing that, “Stress-management sessions often focus on improving emotional regulation, helping individuals respond to stressful situations with a calm and composed mindset. This not only reduces immediate stress, but also builds long-term resilience.”

He added, “Counsellors assist individuals in developing better problem-solving skills, enabling them to tackle stressors head on and find practical solutions to their problems. Building support networks: these sessions often emphasise the importance of social support, encouraging participants to build and maintain strong relationships with friends, family, and community members.”

Speaking about community involvement, Sugrim added that programmes such as this one have a profound impact on individuals as well as their opinions.

“Many communities have recognised the importance of mental resilience and are investing in stress-management programmes. Schools, workplaces, and local health organisations are increasingly offering these counselling sessions as part of their wellness initiatives. These programmes are designed to be accessible and inclusive, ensuring that everyone can benefit from them,” he added.

He also highlighted other potential programmes of a similar nature.

“For example, local health centres might offer weekly group-counselling sessions where participants can share their experiences and learn from each other under the guidance of a professional. Schools are integrating stress management into their curricula, teaching students valuable life skills that promote resilience from a young age. Workplaces are providing stress-management workshops and resources to support employee well-being and productivity.”

Sugrim further emphasised the need to take a proactive approach to mental health.
“Engaging in stress-management counselling is a proactive approach to mental health. Rather than waiting for stress to become overwhelming, individuals who participate in these sessions are taking steps to build resilience and safeguard their mental health. This proactive stance not only improves individual well-being but also contributes to healthier, more resilient communities.

“By promoting and participating in stress-management counselling, we take a significant step toward creating a healthier, more resilient society. It is time to invest in our mental health, build our resilience, and empower ourselves to handle whatever life throws our way,” he said.