Project 11 student brings tools and strategies to men’s mental health group

The transition from high school to university can be difficult for any student, but Megh Modha knew he could use Project 11 lessons and strategies when facing new challenges.

“University has a way of testing your balance with deadlines, expectations and figuring out your career goals,” said Modha. “You start realizing that managing your mind is just as important as managing your time.”

During his first year of university, Modha felt like he was in a hole that he was struggling to get out of, but recalling Project 11 lessons he learned in elementary and high school helped.

“What stuck with me from Project 11 wasn’t any one breathing exercise or journal prompt, but the mindset behind it all and having awareness,” said Modha. “The ability to pause, check in, and actually understand why you feel a certain way before reacting to it.”

Modha first learned about Project 11 in Grade 4 when his teacher introduced the mental wellness curriculum to his classroom. Since then, the program has greatly impacted his life and approach to mental wellness.

“What stood out even then was how open the space felt. It wasn’t about fixing anyone, it was about learning that it’s okay to talk, ask for help and knowing things will get better.”

Now in university, Modha has found a new space to discuss mental health and wellness with the University of Manitoba Men’s Wellness Circle. He first learned about the group when he met its founder, Vaibhav Varma, who started the Men’s Wellness Circle after losing his brother to suicide.

“Following that event and others, I faced a lot of mental health challenges,” said Varma, who received many heartfelt messages after sharing his experiences on social media. “Along with knowing that men’s mental health and vulnerability are significantly under discussed issues, I realized there was a clear need for a community of guys on our campus.”

Since the Men’s Wellness Circle launched during the 2024-25 school year, it has hosted events, discussion circles and wellness workshops and grown to include members from different age groups, genders and backgrounds.

“I wanted to join to help build that kind of space for others that Project 11 made possible for me,” said Modha. “It’s a space where men can not only open up but challenge the stigma around why we think talking about mental health is a sign of weakness.”

As Director of Operations of the Men’s Wellness Circle, Modha used his own personal experiences and approach when helping lay the foundation of the group.

“What I carried from Project 11 into the Men’s Wellness Circle wasn’t a specific activity, but more so an approach of creating spaces that feel safe enough for honesty,” said Modha. “That’s what Project 11 really taught me early on: if you create an open space, people will fill it with meaning.”

After taking on too many responsibilities during his first year of university, Modha realized he needed to step down from the leadership position for his own mental wellness.

“I’ve learned leadership doesn’t always mean holding the mic. Sometimes it means stepping back and letting others take it further,” said Modha. Now as a member of the group, Modha continues to support his fellow group members while advocating for men’s mental health.

“Looking back on when I first learned about Project 11, I know now that’s what planted the seed for everything I’ve done since then,” said Modha. “It gave me a foundation, a sort of inner language for how to understand myself and others, and I’m thankful.”