INDIA: Mpower, the mental healthcare initiative of the Aditya Birla Education Trust (ABET), proudly announces the launch of its new vertical: Athlete Mind Performance (AMP). Spearheaded by Mrs. Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower, ABET, AMP is a significant step forward in helping athletes transform their game and reach championship levels. The launch was marked by an in-conversation between Mrs. Neerja Birla and Mr. Abhinav Bindra, India’s First Olympic Gold Medalist, where they discussed the critical role of mental health training alongside physical training for athletes.

This initiative has also garnered strong support from legendary sports personalities like Sania Mirza, Abhinav Bindra, Aparna Popat, Pullela Gopichand, and Sourav Ganguly all of whom advocated for a sports environment where mental health is given equal importance to physical endurance and training.

AMP embodies our commitment to empowering athletes with psychological interventions tailored for performance enhancement, stress management, and mental toughness. Research also reveals that 33.6% of athletes experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, and up to 50% face depression after sport-related concussions. Anxiety disorders affect 21% of athletes, with female athletes nearly twice as likely to suffer from depression compared to their male counterparts. AMP, as part of Mpower, is committed to addressing both sport-specific mental health needs and the overall well-being of athletes, fostering their long-term development through holistic support.

Speaking at the AMP launch, Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson of Mpower, ABET said, “The need for mental health support in sports is critical, as athletes face immense pressure both on and off the field. Internationally, the power to build mental endurance in sports is increasingly recognized, with athletes who prioritize mental conditioning often leading the charge in high performance. Indian athletes like Deepika Kumari and Neeraj Chopra have already begun to highlight the crucial link between mental health and athletic success. By focusing on mental resilience and preparedness, we aim to support athletes to perform at their best, reach new heights in their careers, and win accolades for India on national and international platforms. The launch of AMP is a step towards embedding this essential support into the fabric of sports training in India.”

Echoing this sentiment, Abhinav Bindra, India’s First Olympian Gold Medalist too shared, “In my journey as an athlete, I’ve come to realize that true sporting excellence is built on a foundation of mental resilience, which in turn, is deeply rooted in our mental wellbeing and overall health. Human well-being must be at the heart of performance; it’s the cornerstone of every success story in sport. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Mrs. Birla for her unwavering commitment to mental health in sports. Just as physical training strengthens an athlete’s body, fostering mental resilience shapes a champion’s mindset. As a member of the International Olympic Committee’s working group on Mental Health, I am deeply committed to the cause, ensuring that athletes, their coaches, and sports organizations prioritize the psychological resources necessary for success both on and off the field.”

For those ready to embark on this transformative journey, AMP’s sports psychology services are now available. To schedule a consultation or learn more about how AMP can elevate your athletic performance, visit the website: https://mpowerminds.com/sports-psychology.

The post Mpower Launches AMP to Transform Athlete Performance Through Sports Psychology appeared first on NRI News.

Before Mpower’s intervention, an analysis revealed that 70% of senior citizens viewed seeking mental health support as a sign of weakness, and 80% associated mental health issues with superstitions. In India, mental health is often seen as an age-related problem, with limited efforts to seek support or help, and the stigma surrounding mental health support is particularly strong in this age group. Many senior citizens face conditions such as depression, anxiety, and anger issues—challenges that can significantly impact their quality of life.

Over the past two years, Mpower has worked closely with senior citizens aged 58 to 75 at Vriddha Mitra and The Narayan Chandra Trust, focusing on raising awareness about mental health and offering support through positive mind and body conversations. This sustained engagement has led to a noticeable shift in perceptions. Post-workshop analysis shows that over 50% of participants now express a willingness to seek mental health support, and there has been a 20% decrease in those linking mental health issues to superstitions.

Speaking on the occasion Parveen Shaikh Vice President of Operations Mpower said “The mental health of our senior citizens is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of their overall well-being. At Mpower, we’ve seen first-hand how addressing mental health concerns can transform lives, breaking down the stigma and empowering our elders to seek the support they deserve. By integrating mental health care with traditional wellness approaches, we are not just enhancing their quality of life, but also reaffirming their invaluable role in our society.”

Adding further Shruti Padhye, Senior psychologist and manages Mpower Cell, mentioned “With age, our senior citizens face multiple insecurities, from changes in their independence post-retirement to increased reliance on their children. Many activities they once did independently are now curtailed, leading to a sense of loss. In India, old age is often viewed with bias, further enabling discrimination based on age, which deeply impacts the mental health of individuals over 60. Many experience episodes of depression, anxiety, uncertainty, and vulnerability. It is crucial to seek expert help to navigate these challenges, rather than dismissing them as age-related mood swings or stubbornness.”

The post Mpower’s Initiative Reveals 70% of Senior Citizens in India See Mental Health Support as Weakness appeared first on NRI News.

The cyclothon is the brainchild of Neerja Birla, Founder and Chairperson, of Mpower, and was started to encourage conversations on mental health and encourage the community to come together to stamp out associated stigma. She shared her thoughts on the 5^th edition of Ride to Mpower, saying, “Every pedal stroke symbolizes a step forward in our collective journey towards destigmatizing mental health. Through unity and action, we can create a world where mental well-being is prioritized and embraced by all.”

The post Ride To Mpower Kicks Off With Over 200 Cyclists Riding From Pune To Mumbai To Raise Awareness About Mental Health appeared first on NRI News.