IN THIS EDITION
ATLANTA’S PLAN TO END THE WAIT LIST FOR A CHILD PSYCHIATRIST STARTS THE OPEN MEETING DISCUSSION MARCH 8TH
Connect with members globally during the monthly Open Meeting. The March meeting is on Saturday March 8 from 9 AM until 10am (New York time).
Enter Zoom meeting 834 0892 3476 and Passcode 394366 or Click Here . The Open Meeting occurs on the second Saturday each month except June, when we meet in person at the Rotary International Convention!
The first few minutes of the monthly open meeting starts with a topic but has no agenda for the ensuing conversation. The opening topic for March is presented by Synthia Gera Padala of SERA SMART Villages with champions in Alpharetta, Georgia and Hyderabad, India.
CALLING ALL ROTARY MENTAL HEALTH ACTION GROUP MEMBERS
-Rtn Lauren Wilson, Club Secretary, RC Calgary, Downtown
The Rotary Club of Calgary Downtown, Is hosting an Addiction & Mental Health Event on June 26 2025. This is a luncheon from noon until 2:00pm
This is an excellent opportunity to introduce some of the most effective addiction & mental health initiatives being implemented in Canada.
Marshall Smith, the former Chief of Staff for Danielle Smith, Alberta’s Premier, is one of the architects behind the “Alberta Recovery Model,” along with the Hon. Dan Williams, Alberta’s Minister of Addictions and Mental Health, will both speak at the luncheon.
We have a common interest in Mental Health & Addiction.
Lets come together, connect and explore new ways to support those struggling with Addictions & Mental Health.
Hope to see you there!
MENTAL HEALTH RESEARCH FINDINGS
- Dr. Larry Kubiak, Director RAGMHI
In the March 2025 issue of the Monitor on Psychology there were several recent research findings of significance. In an issue of Psychology and Aging in a 23 year follow-up study with nearly 6000 participants in the United States they studied whether life satisfaction and purpose in life are positive predictors of physical health and longevity. While both are significant, having a purpose in life has an even greater impact.
In a study of over 2500 adults in India 45 years and older in the publication Neuropsychology, they found that adults with more robust social networks perform better cognitively. They determined that those with larger social networks perform better in verbal fluency, semantic association, visuospatial span and verbal fluency.
In a meta-analysis published in Nature Mental Health a total of 21 studies were assessed and found that those with loneliness have much greater odds of developing dementia. The study involved over 600,000 individuals. They determined that loneliness was linked to a 31% increase in the likelihood of developing any form of dementia. More specifically, they found a greater risk of Alzheimer’s disease by 39%, vascular dementia 73% and cognitive impairment overall 15%. These associations persisted even after controlling for depression, social isolation or other modifiable risk factors for dementia.
Dr Kubiak at the House of Friendship for the Florida Presidents-Elect Training Seminar (PETS) for eight USA Rotary districts
BULLYING IN SCHOOLS: ADDRESSING ITS IMPACT ON STUDENTS AND THE WORKFORCE
-By Rotarian Andrea Bhagwandeen, RAGMHI Member
Bullying in schools is a pervasive issue that significantly affects student's well-being and has long-term repercussions on the labor force. Implementing robust systems to combat and prevent bullying is essential for fostering a safe and inclusive educational environment. This article examines the importance of such systems, the detrimental effects of bullying, and insights from various countries. Understanding Bullying Bullying involves repeated aggressive behaviors, including physical violence, verbal harassment, social exclusion, and cyberbullying. According to a UNESCO report, over 30% of students worldwide have experienced bullying, leading to adverse outcomes on academic achievement and mental health.
Global Perspectives on Bullying
1. Switzerland: While specific statistics on bullying prevalence in Switzerland are limited, studies indicate that schools with comprehensive anti-bullying policies report fewer incidents.
2. Japan: In the 2022 academic year, Japanese schools reported approximately 682,000 bullying cases, highlighting the need for effective intervention programs.
3. India: Data on bullying prevalence in Indian schools is scarce. However, initiatives by governmental and non-governmental organizations aim to address the issue through awareness and prevention programs.
4. United States: The National Centre for Education Statistics reported that about 20% of students aged 12-18 experienced bullying in 2019.
5. Trinidad and Tobago: Specific data on bullying prevalence in Trinidad and Tobago is not readily available. Nonetheless, the Ministry of Education has recognized bullying as a significant concern and has implemented national awareness campaigns to combat its effects.
Consequences of Bullying
The impact of bullying extends beyond the school environment, affecting mental health, academic performance, workplace behavior, and economic stability.
1. Mental Health: Victims of bullying are at an increased risk of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. Prolonged exposure to bullying correlates with a higher likelihood of mental health disorders in adulthood.
2.Academic Performance: Students subjected to bullying often exhibit lower academic achievement and higher dropout rates.
3. Workplace Dynamics: Individuals who experienced bullying during their school years may face workplace harassment and reduced job satisfaction in their professional lives.
4.Economic Costs: The long-term psychological and educational setbacks resulting from childhood bullying can lead to lower earnings in adulthood.
Effective Anti-Bullying Strategies
Schools must implement structured interventions that encompass prevention, reporting mechanisms, and mental health support.
1. Anti-Bullying Policies: Establishing clear policies that define bullying, outline reporting procedures, and specify consequences is vital.
2. Awareness and Training Programs: Educating teachers and students about bullying can lead to significant reductions in incidents.
3. Safe Reporting Systems: Confidential reporting mechanisms encourage students to report bullying incidents without fear of retaliation.
4. Peer Support Programs: Peer mentorship initiatives foster inclusion and can effectively reduce bullying occurrences.
5. Parental Involvement: Engaging parents in anti-bullying efforts enhances the effectiveness of prevention and intervention strategies.
6. Mental Health Resources: Providing counselling and support groups assists victims in coping with the effects of bullying.
7. Regular Assessment and Feedback: Continuous evaluation of anti-bullying programs ensures their effectiveness and facilitates necessary adjustments.
Conclusion
Addressing bullying in schools is crucial for creating a safe educational environment and ensuring a stable future workforce. Implementing comprehensive anti-bullying strategies requires collaboration among educators, parents, policymakers, and students. By promoting respect and inclusion, we can work towards safer schools and a more resilient society.
Recommendation
Anti-Bullying Week is typically scheduled for a specific week in November each year. In 2025, it is set to take place from 13th to 17th November, providing a dedicated time for schools and communities to focus on anti-bullying efforts. Emerging evidence indicates that anti-bullying laws and policies can be effective in reducing bullying among school-aged youth but these take time to develop and implement. Anti-bullying campaigns are a proven way to bring awareness to the community and help those who believe they have nowhere to turn.
Preventing and stopping bullying involves a commitment to creating a safe environment where children can thrive, socially and academically, without being afraid. It isn’t too early to start anti-bullying efforts.
REPORTS FROM DISTRICT CHAPTER
DISTRICT CONFERENCE RID 3030: 11 -12 JANUARY 2025. NAGPUR
- RTN Shivangi Garg, Director, RAGMHI
1. A 40- minute session on ‘Mental Health Initiatives’ was part of the first Day agenda in the Conference. PDG & Director (RAGMHI) Dr. Larry Kubiak, Florida, USA, was to be in conversation with Chair Elect (RAGMHI) Rita Aggarwal, from Nagpur. The exchange between the two covered important concerns about teen suicides, building resilience among Rotaractors and students, peer leadership and prevention of depression programs for the youth; the role pf RAGMHI and its Chapters. Larry spoke of his visit to Jalgaon with his hosts Rtn Santosh Pradhan (USA) and Rtn Mario Pedro Moura (Portugal) and the impressive questions by school students on mental health!
2. The District Chapter of RAG on Mental Health Initiatives (DAGMHI 3030) set up a booth at the Conference. The booth stood out as one of the busiest and most vibrant spots as it entertained the visitors with mental health awareness through posters on mental health; literature on its projects and printed copies of the newsletter Mind Matters. Those who enrolled as members were given DAGMHI pins/badges. A social media campaign on ‘Don’t Bottle it Up’ was a hit with 20 Rotarians posing with the bottle for the campaign. There were jam sessions with music on the Ukulele (by Jayati) and dance by all!! Mental health was fun indeed!
The booth was coordinated by Shivangi Garg (Director on board of RAGMHI) and a dedicated team of Rotaract volunteers—Nidhi, Ramandeep, Astha, Sayali, Jayati, and Devika on both days.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CHAPTER
Please send us articles from your Clubs and District for inclusion in future newsletters. Send to alanturner.rotary@gmail.com