Environmental literacy, community action
Our lesson series are designed to provide teachers with the confidence and resources to advance environmental literacy in their classrooms. This summer, we invite 3rd–5th grade teachers to pilot one or more of our lesson series.
The CAELI Community-Based Partner Hub is a portal that connects K–12 teachers and administrators to environmental education community-based partners and their programs. Find experiential learning opportunities for your students today!
The Global Climate Literacy Competition (GCLC) was created to bridge this gap by making climate education interactive, engaging, and globally accessible. Developed by Green Guardians in collaboration with Knowledge Platform, GCLC provides students with a structured yet flexible learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and climate action.
Climate literacy is essential in preparing students to understand and address the environmental challenges of today and the future. From biodiversity loss and climate change to resource management and sustainability, young learners must develop the knowledge and skills needed to make informed decisions and take meaningful action. However, making climate education both accessible and effective remains a challenge.
Traditional classroom instruction often presents climate topics in a linear, segmented way, making it difficult for students to connect the dots between environmental systems. Additionally, static curricula struggle to keep pace with new climate research, leaving students with outdated information. Gamified learning offers an alternative—one that is engaging, interactive, and adaptive to the fast-changing realities of climate science.
The Global Climate Literacy Competition (GCLC) was created to bridge this gap by making climate education interactive, engaging, and globally accessible. Developed by Green Guardians in collaboration with Knowledge Platform, GCLC provides students with a structured yet flexible learning experience that fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and climate action.
The competition’s mission is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to understand climate challenges and take meaningful action in their schools, communities, and beyond. By leveraging gamified learning and international collaboration, GCLC envisions a future where climate literacy is an essential part of every student’s education, preparing them to become informed global citizens and change-makers.
The first edition of GCLC demonstrated the potential of gamified climate education:
Educators reported that students became more engaged in environmental discussions, developed a deeper understanding of climate change, and started applying their knowledge in real life. Many students took action by reducing food waste, conserving energy, and advocating for sustainable practices in their communities. Read the full report.
Running from March 10th to April 22nd, our second competition series focuses on biodiversity, helping students explore ecosystems, conservation, and their role in protecting nature.
GCLC 2 offers an opportunity for schools and students to engage with climate education in a meaningful way. If you are an educator, school leader, or part of an education network, this is a chance to expand access to climate learning at no cost.
If you are interested in partnering with Global Climate Literacy Competitions or a competition demo, contact us at info@greenguardians.com.
| School Garden Coalition Seeks Support for SB 341 | Letter of Support Sign on deadline: March 12, 2025 |
 | Description: About SB 341 The California School Garden Coalition seeks support for SB 341 which would update and expand California’s Instructional School Garden Program (ISGP) to include instruction and maintenance so all California students can have ongoing access to garden-based learning. Why SB 341 Matters Despite broad support for garden-based education and proven academic, health, and environmental benefits, the vast majority of school gardens remain unused due to a lack of dedicated funding for instructional programs and maintenance. SB 341 does not provide direct funding but creates a phased plan to bring instructional school gardens to more schools statewide. Visit the CA School Garden Coalition website to learn more about the details of the legislation and information about providing support. |
 | Date: 12:30-1:30 pm, March 21, 2025 Webinar: Online Community Gathering Description: Join the California Environmental Literacy Initiative Community- Based Partner Innovation Hub and the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education in an online webinar for Program Leaders of organizations that work to advance environmental literacy. Learn valuable tips and strategies that will help your organization grow and thrive. CAELI and AEOE Online Community Gathering The CAELI Community-Based Partner Innovation Hub and AEOE invite you to participate in a free webinar series for environmental education program leaders. Meet with other program leaders to discuss the shifting landscape, address current challenges, and crowdsource ideas for how to best support our staff and communities. Register HERE. |
 | Date: 4:00-5:30 PM, March 19, 2025 Webinar: CASE Understanding Global Change Description: Understanding the Earth as a system can help learners of all ages explain how and why our climate and ecosystems are changing and the many ways we can take action in response to these changes. Join us for an interactive virtual workshop about a local phenomenon where participants will be immersed in a data-driven sequence of learning that includes modeling practices using the Understanding Global Change (UGC) Earth System Modeling Tools. Participants will also learn how the UGC Framework can support the planning of interdisciplinary instruction to interweave global change topics across curricula. CASE invites K-12 educators to participate in this workshop series on Understanding Global Change. Jessica Bean, PhD, is a scientist and educator at the Museum of Paleontology at UC Berkeley. She is the leader of the Understanding Global Change Project and the Director of Outreach and Science for the FieldScope community science platform. She designs tools for learning about the Earth as a dynamic, interconnected system that help learners understand and engage in the process of science. Jessica studies how marine invertebrates respond to and provide records of environmental change along the California coast, has taught college and graduate level biology and Earth science courses, and partners with K-12 educators across the country to develop and implement new resources for learning about the nature of science. This workshop is offered for high school educators. Free for CASE Members, $15 for non-members Register HERE. |
 | Deadline: April 15, 2025 Contest Theme: What is the value of environmental education? AEOE invites you to share your perspective on the vital role of environmental education in shaping a sustainable future. In this contest, they want to hear from YOU—their community members—about the impact that environmental education has on individuals, communities, and the planet. Whether you’re an educator, student, advocate, or a passionate nature enthusiast, your voice matters! Video Contest Guidelines: In your video, explore the importance of environmental education. Share how it has influenced you personally or in your work, the communities you serve, or the broader global environment. Highlight specific examples, experiences, or lessons learned from environmental education. Click HERE to read the contest guidelines for eligibility, video length and content requirements, judging criteria, how to submit your entry, and prizes. |
 | Deadline: April 23, 2025 Description: The Fellowship is NAAEE’s latest initiative to support leadership and innovation in civics and environmental education (CEE) across the country. NAAEE recognizes the value in bringing together environmental and civic engagement educators to learn from each other and collaborate to scale up our impact as we work to create a more equitable and sustainable future. The CEE-Change Fellowship is a twelve-month fellowship that will provide opportunities to learn, network, and share through online professional development, technical assistance, and face-to-face training. The fellowship will also build a strong foundation for continued professional growth after the program ends. The twelve-month fellowship will take place July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026, and Fellows will have the option to extend an additional six months (through December 2026). Fellows will receive continued professional development, networking support, and travel support to attend an in-person Leadership Institute in Shepherdstown, WV, from August 24-29, 2025. For more information about the 2025 CEE-Change Fellowship and eligibility, please read through the full Request for Proposals. At this time, we can only accept U.S.-based applicants for the 2025–2026 cohort. To learn more about the Fellowship or to apply, click HERE. |
 | Dates: July 14-15-16, 2025 Location: Virtual The Teach Climate Network Summer Institute is a virtual, three-day conference focused on climate change education for both formal and non-formal educators. |
| Join Ten Strands, Climate Generation, and 20 regional climate change education leaders from around North America as we practice what it means to teach climate change as an interdisciplinary, justice-centered issue. Are you looking for a community of educational professionals and mentors who can support your climate change knowledge and teaching strategies? Our Summer Institute network is full of educators and climate change practitioners doing just that! Discover best practices, activities, lesson plans, and tools that will help you strengthen your climate curriculum and better support your learners. Whether you’re a formal classroom teacher or a non-formal educator, this is the perfect opportunity to grow your climate change education skills and connect with like-minded professionals. Plus, scholarships are available. On July 16, join us for the California Cohort Day, hosted by Ten Strands! Participants will engage in sessions focused on how to integrate trauma informed practices into climate literacy. It also features special presenters from Ten Strands’ Climate Change and Environmental Justice Program. Register HERE by June 27. |
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge.
The Living Coast Discovery Center is a nonprofit zoo and aquarium located on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1987 as the Chula Vista Nature Interpretive Center, they have served the San Diego community for over 30 years. Their mission is to inspire the community to connect with and care for our coastal environment. Their vision is a thriving natural coast through engaged conservation.
For more than 30 years, the Living Coast Discovery Center has reached thousands of children through field trips, outreaches, scout programs, and other community education programs. On average, they see 70,000 visitors each year, including families, school groups, and special events.
Since opening in 1987, the Living Coast Discovery Center has offered various educational programs on the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Sweetwater Marsh. Each day, they welcome hundreds of students through their doors connecting them with nature to foster curiosity, environmental awareness, and a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By immersing students in outdoor environments, they inspire a lifelong respect for nature and cultivate a generation that understands the importance of environmental stewardship.
The education program offers Living Labs, field trips, and classroom programs all designed to be fun, engaging, and age-appropriate. Preschool programs include an hour-long lesson and craft facilitated by a Living Coast Education Instructor. K-12 Programs are station-based, with some stations led by Living Coast staff members and docents. Classroom teachers and/or chaperones must lead stations using provided resources if docents are unavailable. The exact program schedule and stations vary by group size and program type. Field trip programming takes approximately 4 hours. The website provides a menu of program offerings and financial support is available for Title 1 schools. Outreach programs bring scientific exploration of the natural world to the classroom, library, or public event! These programs provide hands-on activities, up close animal interactions, dissections, scientific tools, and more!
The Living Coast Discovery Center participates in conservation and sustainability programs too. This includes their contributions to Team Clapper Rail which is dedicated to the study, restoration, and introduction of the Light-footed Ridgway’s Rail, a state and federally listed endangered species. Their sustainability programs aim to educate their local community on how to sort waste and compost at home. They also offer master composter training courses.
Animal ambassadors play a unique role in educating the community about their wild counterparts. Through interactive presentations and close-up encounters, they allow individuals to connect with native wildlife while inspiring them to contribute to conservation and protect natural ecosystems. Each ambassador helps to highlight the challenges their species face in the wild, from habitat loss to climate change, fostering a deeper understanding of conservation needs in the region.
To find out more about the Living Coast Discovery Center, visit their website. If you would like information about their education programs, email education@thelivingcoast.org.
The CAELI County Office of Education Innovation Hub developed this introductory tool to support county offices of education, districts, and schools to understand the requirements of AB 285
 | The CAELI County Office of Education Innovation Hub developed this introductory tool to support county offices of education, districts, and schools to understand the requirements of AB 285 and begin taking next steps for implementing grade-appropriate climate change curriculum. What Is California Assembly Bill 285? The bill amended Sections 51210 and 51220 of the California Education Code to require that courses of study for science in grades 1–12 include material “on the causes and effects of climate change, and on the methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Appropriate coursework including material on the causes and effects of climate change and methods to mitigate and adapt to climate change shall be offered to pupils as soon as possible, commencing no later than the 2024–25 school year.” Click HERE to read the Toolkit. |
 | In a new toolkit from the Children and Nature Network, access research that shows the health benefits and stewardship outcomes for kids who spend time in nature. Help make the case for the benefits of nature.Kids need to be outside. A joyful childhood, a healthy adulthood and a thriving planet depend on it. Spending time in nature makes kids healthier, happier and smarter. It also helps them become good stewards of the environment. These statements are based on a solid and growing body of research. This toolkit will help you access that research and other resources to “make the case” for equitable access to nature.To learn more, access the Toolkit HERE. |
 | The National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, initiated by NAAEE in 1994, developed a series of guidelines that set the standards for high-quality environmental education. Each of these publications was developed by a diverse team of professionals, and each has gone through a substantive review by thousands of professionals prior to its publication. Through the National Project for Excellence in Environmental Education, NAAEE is taking the lead in establishing guidelines for the development of balanced, scientifically accurate, and comprehensive environmental education programs and materials. Quality environmental education programs help develop an environmentally literate citizenry that can compete in our global economy; has the skills, knowledge, and inclinations to make well-informed choices; and exercises the rights and responsibilities of members of a community. The Guidelines for Excellence series includes the following titles: Community Engagement, Early Childhood, EE Programs, EE Materials, K-12 EE, and Professional Development. All are downloadable for free. Learn more about the Guidelines for Excellence in this video featuring Bora Simmons, Director of the National Project for Excellence in EE. |
 | Webinar Recording (2/27/25): Drawing from a decade of experience supporting conservation professionals, Dr. Vik Mohan, a practicing physician and resilience expert, shares evidence-based approaches for thriving in a changing world. This interactive session offers practical tools for navigating workplace challenges, understanding stress responses, and cultivating sustainable support systems. Dr. Mohan combines his medical expertise with real-world insights to help participants develop strategies for maintaining energy and focus while pursuing meaningful and important work. In this session, Vik shared: evidence-based techniques for managing change, uncertainty, stress, and overwhelm; tools and suggestions for coping with current challenges, and for taking positive action in support of our goals and our own well-being; concrete steps to maintain motivation and purpose in demanding roles; methods for building and strengthening support networks; and ideas to enable us to think differently about and feel more empowered to tackle the challenges we face. Click HERE to watch the recording. |
 | Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning & Expertise Sharing or BEETLES, infuses outdoor science programs with research-based approaches and tools to improve science teaching and learning. Their professional learning resources are designed for program leaders to use with field instructors. They provide experiences and rationale about outdoor science instruction designed to inspire instructors to improve their teaching. The student activities inspire students’ wonder and curiosity about the natural world, support their innate tendencies for exploration and guide them to make explanations based on evidence. |
| BEETLES student activities engage students directly with nature, encourage a scientific mindset, ignite wonder and curiosity, and help students “fall in love” with nature. The activities are student-centered (not instructor-centered), include student discussion of science ideas, help instructors to be “guides on the side,” and empower students to continue exploring and wondering about nature after they leave an outdoor science program. BEETLES activities create opportunities for students to make and share connections to their lives. This makes instruction relevant for students and helps instructors better understand students’ lived experiences and cultural identities. BEETLES student activities are learning cycle-based–structured to facilitate students flowing through phases of learning. The activities are written to be “educative” for instructors. That’s why, along with clear step-by-step instructions, there’s information about pedagogy, science background, adjusting for different students, and connections to the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). BEETLES materials are aligned with the vision of NGSS to provide students with “3-dimensional” instruction (combining science practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas) in science learning experiences in the outdoors. Click HERE to review many of the activities provided. |
Green Guardians and Knowledge Platform’s Global Climate Literacy Competition engaged 3,300 students from 174 schools in 37 countries, promoting climate action through gamified competitions.
Press Release: 9 January 2024
Green Guardians and Knowledge Platform recently concluded the world’s first Global Climate Literacy Competition. The digital, games-based competition, held between October and December 2024, challenged Grades 6–8 students to showcase their climate literacy.
Over 3,300 students from 174 schools across 37 countries participated in the competition. Approximately 50% of the participating schools and students were from developing countries, with Pakistan (78 schools, 1,376 students) and India (48 schools, 795 students) leading the engagement rankings. Other top countries included Bangladesh, the Philippines, Qatar, Turkey, Sweden, Kenya, Mexico, and Australia.
Through three successive stages of micro-games related to climate change, green energy, and water, students accumulated climate action coins for demonstrating their climate literacy. The competition is the first of four quarterly competitions scheduled for 2025. Future competitions will cover topics such as ecosystems, oceans, agriculture, climate justice, climate resilience, community action, circular economies, and waste management.
While awaiting the launch of the next competition, students can continue to engage with the recently concluded competition at Global Climate Literacy Competitions.
For detailed insights and data, view the GCLC Report on the first competition.
The team at Green Guardians is also developing competitions for other grade levels, as well as for college students, adults, and professionals.
Yvonne Qiu, Co-Founder of Green Guardians, noted, “We are thrilled to see the enthusiastic participation in our competition, especially given the minimal marketing. There is a significant demand for climate literacy, particularly in developing countries. We are honored that our competition was recommended by UNESCO’s Greening Education Partnership, AFS, and the International Baccalaureate and received support from UNDP and JS Bank.”
Mahboob Mahmood, CEO of Knowledge Platform, added, “Climate literacy is an existentially critical subject, yet it is inadequately represented in curricula. Learning games and competitions provide an ideal approach to advancing climate literacy as they are universally engaging and place minimal demands on schools and teachers.”
Shereen Ispahani, Founder of Chittagong Grammar School in Bangladesh, stated, “Chittagong Grammar is dedicated to nurturing national and global climate action leaders. Green Guardians and Knowledge Platform have empowered our teachers and students to create their own climate literacy content, games, and competitions. This constructivist model is essential for making climate learning relevant and impactful at individual, regional, and global levels.”
About Green Guardians
Green Guardians is the world’s first edtech venture dedicated to expanding climate literacy worldwide through lesson plans, interactive lessons, communities of practice, and learning games and competitions. Green Guardians’ solutions are used in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Singapore, the USA, and, through its recent competition series, in over 30 other countries.
About Knowledge Platform
Headquartered in Singapore, Knowledge Platform provides K–12 education solutions across Africa and Asia. Its learning games and competitions have helped students strengthen curriculum-based skills in English, mathematics, and science, as well as 21st-century skills in climate literacy, data science, financial literacy, and problem-solving.
For additional information, please sign up for Green Guardians’ newsletter at https://www.greenguardians.com or contact Yvonne Qiu, Co-Founder and Director of Instructional Design, at Green Guardians, via yqiu@knowledgeplatform.com.
Stage 1 of the Global Climate Literacy Competition is officially complete! A huge congratulations to all qualifiers who advanced to Stage 2. Check out key dates and competition rules and get ready for exciting challenges in Stage 2!
Are you ready to dive into the Global Climate Literacy Competitions? Registration opens soon—starting November 4th at 1:00 P.M. UTC until November 24th at 12:00 P.M. UTC! Get all the must-know steps for a smooth registration and grab ready-to-use social media posts to spread the word. Let’s kick-start a movement for climate champions—your school could be at the heart of it all!
Climate education equips young people not only with the knowledge to understand complex environmental challenges but also with the skills and mindset needed to take immediate and long-term actions. This is crucial for both mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.
In a world increasingly affected by climate change, education serves as a powerful tool to catalyse action. Climate education equips young people not only with the knowledge to understand complex environmental challenges but also with the skills and mindset needed to take immediate and long-term actions. This is crucial for both mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.
The recent World Bank report observes that education is one of the most effective predictors of climate change awareness. With just one additional year of education, climate awareness can increase by 9%, significantly driving behaviour changes and community-level actions. Furthermore, education helps build resilience, enabling communities to better cope with extreme weather events, reduce disaster risks, and foster sustainable behaviours—skills that are increasingly essential as climate disruptions threaten learning outcomes and educational systems globally.
To harness this potential, the Global Climate Literacy Competitions powered by Green Guardians offer an exciting, gamified platform for grades 6–8 students (ages around 11–14) to develop their climate literacy. This competition aligns perfectly with these global needs by:
Competition Details
Connecting 1000+ schools around the world, the first competition of its series focuses on climate change covering essential topics including net-zero targets, climate mitigation and adaptation, green energy, and water conservation. The competition runs from November 4 to December 7, 2024. Participation is FREE for all schools worldwide with grades 6, 7, and 8 students.
Join the Global Climate Literacy Competitions and take the next step towards a sustainable future!
By participating, students not only become climate-literate but also develop the skills needed to influence their families and communities positively. For more details about the competition, visit www.globalclimateliteracy.org/program/glc or contact the team at Green Guardians team via info@greenguardians.com.
September in Singapore is buzzing with eco-friendly activities!! Explore local biodiversity on guided nature walks, dive into marine conservation at themed festivals, or get involved in community cleanups and composting workshops.
September in Singapore is buzzing with eco-friendly activities!! Explore local biodiversity on guided nature walks, dive into marine conservation at themed festivals, or get involved in community cleanups and composting workshops. Whether you’re eager to learn, volunteer, or simply enjoy the outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Dive into these exciting events and join the green movement this September!
Time: 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Friday, 13th September
Location: Central Public Library – Programme Room 1
Organiser: WWF-Singapore
Description: Explore careers in marine science and ocean sustainability at this insightful career talk, part of WWF-Singapore’s marine-themed outreach event. Perfect for students and young professionals, it features expert speakers sharing their experiences and advice on building a meaningful career dedicated to protecting our oceans.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Sunday, 15th September
Location: 36 Eco Points across Singapore
Organiser: Tzu Chi Foundation (Singapore)
Description: Every third Sunday of the month, Tzu Chi transforms neighbourhood spaces into eco points for recycling. Residents are invited to bring recyclables and participate in sorting activities, promoting environmental awareness and community spirit. Proceeds support Tzu Chi’s community programmes.
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Tuesday, 17th September
Location: School of Design and Environment, Level 4 Barrel Room 04-10, National University of Singapore
Organiser: LRF Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk
Description: Join this interactive session to explore how our food choices contribute to carbon emissions. Learn about the systemic issues that make food more carbon-intensive and discover actionable steps for making sustainable dietary decisions. This event is part of NUS Sustainability CONNECT aiming to help you reduce your carbon footprint, starting with what’s on your plate.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday, 21st September
Location: The Plaza, National Library Building
Organiser: WWF-Singapore
Description: Dive into marine conservation at WWF-Singapore’s SEAs The Day Festival. Explore interactive booths, join workshops, and engage in fun, ocean-themed activities designed for all ages. This festival is a great way to learn how to protect our oceans.
This inaugural event is part of WWF-Singapore’s public outreach initiative, running from 6th to 22nd September.
Time: 8:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m., Saturday, 21st September
Location: East Coast Park, Area G
Organiser: Kindred Community
Description: Join the Kindred Community at East Coast Park for a beach cleanup as part of World Cleanup Day. Participate in person on 21st September or register your own cleanup online to contribute at a time and location that suits you, and share your efforts on social media using #worldcleanupday2023 and #kindredsg. This event is part of a broader effort where cleanups are organised biweekly across Singapore.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m., Saturday, 28th September
Location: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Organiser: Nature Society (Singapore)
Immerse yourself in nature with a rejuvenating forest bathing session at Singapore Botanic Gardens. This session includes mindful activities like stillness, observation, and a tea sharing circle, designed to reduce stress and enhance well-being. Suitable for participants aged 16 and above, this two-hour experience offers a refreshing way to connect with nature.
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Saturday, 28th September, and 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday, 30th September
Location: Dairy Farm Nature Park
Organiser: Creativeans X Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore)
Description: Explore the Wallace Nature Trail at Dairy Farm Nature Park, home to diverse flora and fauna. This easy, two-hour walk celebrates the legacy of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace. Part of Singapore Design Week 2024, the event promotes environmental stewardship through a blend of nature walks, discussions, and workshops. Proceeds benefit the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore).
Time: Every Thursday, 7:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Rooftop Garden @ 506, 506 Yishun Avenue 4, Singapore 760506
Organiser: Tony the Farmer
Description: Join Tony the Farmer every Thursday evening to turn kitchen scraps into compost at a rooftop garden. Whether you bring your own scraps or help process the ones they’ve collected, no experience is needed. Gloves are provided, and you’ll be guided through chopping and shredding materials for composting. Drop by anytime during the session, rain or shine!
Time: Every Saturday and Sunday, 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Location: Gardens by the Bay, Friends of Gardens Centre
Organiser: Gardens by the Bay
Description: Discover the fascinating world of plants through your senses on this guided tour at Gardens by the Bay. Explore the outdoor gardens and learn how plants use scents—both pleasant and pungent—to communicate, protect themselves, and attract pollinators. This tactile journey will also highlight the unique textures and forms of various plants, challenging you to rethink your perceptions of the plant kingdom.
Our young protagonists, Amina and Saleem, engage in a poignant discussion about feelings, moods, and depression with Amina’s mother, Shamin. They bring up the case of a friend’s mother who has been persistently sad, using it as a starting point to explore the broader issue of depression.
What Are Emotions?
Emotions are feelings that everyone experiences as part of daily life. They influence your thoughts, behaviour, and well-being. Common emotions include happiness, surprise, fear, disgust, anger, and sadness. They are normal reactions to what happens in your environment and are essential for helping you respond to situations.
Today, September __, 2024, our young protagonists, Amina and Saleem, engage in a poignant discussion about feelings, moods, and depression with Amina’s mother, Shamin. They bring up the case of a friend’s mother who has been persistently sad, using it as a starting point to explore the broader issue of depression.
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Depression in Pakistan: A Significant Concern
Depression is a significant public health issue in Pakistan. A survey in Karachi revealed that over 27% of respondents experienced symptoms of anxiety or depression, with women showing particularly high rates. This highlights the pressing need for awareness and resources to address mental health issues in the country.
Depression: More Than Just Feeling Sad
Reflecting on our feelings, the poet Rumi once said, “Emotions are like guests in your house. They come, stay for a while, and then go away.” This captures how emotions briefly visit and then make way for new ones.
However, depression is not as fleeting. It is a serious medical condition characterized by a deep, persistent feeling of despair and disinterest that can affect how you feel, think and handle daily activities. Unlike the usual ebb and flow of emotions, depression can linger, making it tough to enjoy life and perform routine tasks. It’s not a sign of weakness or a state one can simply “snap out of.” Depression requires comprehensive understanding and medical treatment to manage effectively.
Differentiating Moods from Clinical Depression
In their conversation, Amina, Saleem, and Shamin note that while everyday emotions are responses to our surroundings, depression often feels like a disconnection from these daily interactions. This distinction is crucial in understanding why depression is more than just a bad mood—it’s a pervasive and persistent state that needs careful attention and treatment.
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Symptoms of Depression
Common signs of depression include:
If these feelings persist for more than two weeks, it may be time to seek help.
Looking Ahead: Further Exploration in Upcoming Videos
In upcoming videos, Amina and Saleem will delve deeper into understanding depression and how it affects individuals and communities. They will guide viewers through practical steps to identify symptoms of depression and encourage proactive measures for addressing mental health concerns. These discussions will aim to empower viewers with knowledge and strategies to tackle depression effectively.
Depression is Treatable
Remember, depression is a common yet serious illness that requires proper treatment. With the right knowledge and support, most people with depression can improve and regain their interest in life. It’s important to take the symptoms seriously and seek help. You are not alone; help is available.
