KATHMANDU, AUGUST 28

The Dhairya Cancer Foundation recently conducted its 'Threads of Hope' program at the oncology department of Bir Hospital.

This initiative, led by the Foundation's founder and president, Terisa Tamang, focuses initiative focused on the mental health and empowerment of the families and caretakers of cancer patients. The project uses knitting and crochet as therapeutic tools to provide essential support, stress relief, and environmental awareness.

Caretakers, often family members, face immense emotional and psychological challenges while caring for cancer patients. Research has shown that the mental health of caretakers can be significantly impacted, with many experiencing anxiety, depression, and burnout, similar to what patients themselves face. A study published in the British Journal of Occupational Therapy found that 81% of respondents with depression reported feeling happier after knitting. Additionally, more than half said that knitting helped them feel relaxed and less anxious. The repetitive motion of knitting and crochet is believed to release serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness and well-being. Recognizing this, the 'Threads of Hope' program offers a creative and supportive environment for caretakers to relax, connect, and focus on their well-being, according to the press statement issued by the foundation.

'I was fully engaged, focused, and just concentrating on my crochet work. It felt so good to learn something new, and I believe programs like this should be conducted outside of the Kathmandu Valley as well. In many areas, people still don't talk about their mental health, and they are facing problems like depression and anxiety. This program also helped me gain new skills,' Arjun Bishokarma, a caretaker for a cancer patient, shared his experience at the event.

Another participant, Susmita, echoed this sentiment, saying, 'I enjoyed the program a lot and would love to attend more of these sessions.' Similarly, Sunita, another participant, shared, 'I was totally focused on what I was doing and didn't realize what was happening around me. I was completely immersed in the work, just thinking about how to do it. I didn't feel any stress while I was focused on crochet.'

Beyond its focus on mental health, 'Threads of Hope' also emphasizes the importance of environmental sustainability. The program incorporates eco-friendly materials, encouraging participants to develop green skills that promote environmental stewardship, the statement further adds.

Although this session was conducted for a limited number of participants, Terisa Tamang expressed her commitment to expanding the program: 'Seeing the energy and interest of the caretakers, we are inspired to bring this program to more families, especially in regions where mental health is still a taboo subject.'

As the 'Threads of Hope' program continues to grow, it aims to reach more communities, providing much-needed support and resilience to those affected by cancer, while also contributing to environmental sustainability through the development of green skills.