Like a small wave in the sea that never stops rolling

“It’s as if we sweep dust under the carpet daily. It appears clean from the outside, but in reality, the dust never disappears. Whenever we lift the carpet, the dust remains in its original place.” 

Not much has changed since the last decade, while health services in Lao PDR have developed significantly, mental health progress remains limited. Stigmatization persists due to lack of understanding, insufficient resources, few mental health professionals, and inadequate self-funding for treatment. As “mental health has become an urgent national issue”, WeCare was established by young people to support those struggling to voice their problems. Committed to improving mental health access, WeCare joined the Now-us award Laos, using awarded funds to create the “We Care for Everyone” project. This initiative aims to raise awareness and reduce mental health stigma through various means: a media series called “Happy, It’s Okay the Series” highlighting five potential groups facing mental health challenges, an integrated campaign, a Mental Health Hackathon for brainstorming solutions, and the annual health festival, It’s Okay Fest. The project also focuses on maximizing limited resources for swift lifesaving through mobile apps and mindful listening training. Launched in August 2022, it primarily operates in Vientiane Capital, engaging volunteer listeners in project activities. All these efforts are designed to benefit five groups of eligible individuals aged 12-65 years. 

During project implementation, we encountered several challenges: listening-by-heart training was postponed indefinitely, the series and mobile app required more development time, activity formats weren’t accessible to all groups, and volunteers weren’t fully engaged. To ensure project continuity, we created “It’s Okay Space – listen, talk and share” which was an unplanned initiative. We tested this internally with our volunteers to hone listening skills, maintaining their proficiency when not receiving calls and encouraging participation in the learning process and leading the activities. Activities were conducted both online (via Zoom and Gather Town website) and in-person. With volunteer enthusiasm and support from STELLA and RDA, this event became a regular occurrence, attracting outside participants. We observed community changes: participants recognized the importance of mental health, evidenced by regular attendance and increasing participation. In 2022-2023, we had nearly 200 participants while 95% of them were youth (172 women, 21 men, 5 unidentified gender). One participant shared: “At first, before deciding to register, I felt confused by my own thoughts. I didn’t feel like myself, was uncomfortable in my mind, and worried about everything. But after participating, I felt more relaxed. I understood more perspectives, felt better, and my thinking improved”. A volunteer also noted: “I have a dream to become a psychiatrist, but the path is often filled with obstacles that leave me tired and discouraged. However, each time I participate in WeCare’s activities, talking and listening to others’ stories reignites my passion. Through listening training and It’s Okay Space activities, I’ve developed better listening skills, understanding, and empathy. I’ve transformed into more of a listener than a talker. As a listener, the diverse stories I hear have deepened my understanding of mental health issues and people in general”. This was the quote from Ms. Maiyangher Herchalern, a young ethnic female student who began as a participant, exemplifies the project’s impact. She developed herself, aligned with our values, and now assists in organizing and leading It’s Okay Space activities alongside our team. 

Originated from thought processes and approaches used within our team, we introduced our “It’s Okay Space – listen, talk and share” concept to various organizations, including Lao Friends Hospital for Children, Youth Confidence Development Project, and ChildFund Laos. Most participants frequently reported that: “Participating in our activities not only hones listening skills but also teaches individuals how to become a safe space for others. Participants often report applying these skills in their daily lives”. 

“Sometimes, great results can start from doing small but meaningful things”. Through this project’s implementation, we’ve witnessed the power of consistent small actions by a dedicated group. These actions can create positive effects and values in society—a lesson we’ve discovered and learned. 

Our 18-month journey as a VOICE funding recipient has provided valuable lessons and strengthened our organization. We’re committed to further developing these activities to reach more diverse target groups. Like a persistent small wave in the sea, we’ll continue our efforts. We hope the project’s outcomes will serve as a starting point for new understanding of mental health issues in society, encouraging community members to openly discuss and seek mental health treatment. More people are now asking questions about mental health, which we believe will lead to social change. This increased awareness has the potential to eradicate mental health stigma at the micro-community level and ultimately influence policy makers.