Psychosocial Clinic

The National Institute of Social Development (NISD) Gender Studies Centre, in collaboration with RED, conducted a successful psychosocial clinic for employees of the Katunayake Free Trade Zone on 18 May 2025. The programme focused on helping participants understand how to cope with stress at work and in their daily lives, and promoting overall psychosocial well-being. The event was financially supported by RED and coordinated and resourced by K. Chamari Kumari de Thabrew, Director of the Gender Studies Centre at NISD. Participants learned practical ways to manage stress by understanding that stress is a normal part of life – something that everyone experiences. While we cannot completely avoid stress, we can manage it by becoming more aware of our emotions and using healthy coping strategies. During the sessions, participants explored the benefits of simple practices such as exercise, meditation, listening to music, reading, and engaging in hobbies or spiritual activities. Self-care and recognizing your own accomplishments were highlighted as key tools for managing emotional health. The program highlighted that while staying positive can be helpful, pretending to be okay all the time can be harmful, especially for those suffering from long-term stress, anxiety, or depression – and that professional support is important. The clinic also looked at how toxic relationships and holding onto resentment can affect mental health, especially in difficult family or work environments. Overall, it reminded everyone that managing stress is a process – one that requires personal effort and support from others.
The event brought RED and NISD closer together in their shared mission to support the mental health of people working in vulnerable communities.