Art, Communication, and Knowledge Combined: Young People Redefined the Fight Against Depression

On the second day of the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Keep Calm and Fight Depression" (Project No: 2023-1-AT01-KA152-YOU-000140024), coordinated by FI Gesundheits- und Sportverein, participants continued exploring drug-free approaches to coping with depression through a combination of educational sessions and practical activities. Young people from Austria, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, and Spain spent the day gaining valuable knowledge while engaging in creative and collaborative learning experiences.

The day began with the interactive game "So Tell Me," where participants strengthened their communication and teamwork skills through enjoyable group activities. Using game-based learning methods, the session encouraged participants from different countries to build stronger social connections while improving their ability to collaborate in an international environment.

The following session, "Painting Therapy," focused on the positive impact of art on mental well-being. Through creative painting activities, participants experienced how stress and negative emotions can be expressed in healthy and constructive ways. The workshop highlighted the therapeutic value of artistic expression and encouraged young people to recognize the importance of sharing and understanding their emotions.

As part of the educational programme, participants attended the session "15 Things You Need to Know About the Use of Antidepressants," where they learned about the responsible use of antidepressant medication, the importance of professional medical guidance, and the potential risks associated with misuse. The knowledge gained was then reinforced during the "Fifteen Things" group activity, where participants worked collaboratively to develop awareness messages promoting informed and responsible approaches to mental health.

In the evening, participants continued preparing the project's awareness-raising short film during the Creation Workshop. Teams further developed the screenplay, planned filming scenes, and finalized task distribution, gaining valuable experience in collaborative production and creative teamwork.

The day concluded with the intercultural evening "When in Rome Do as the Romans." Partner countries introduced their traditions, customs, local cuisine, and languages, giving participants the opportunity to experience and appreciate the richness of different cultures. Through intercultural learning and mutual exchange, the project contributed not only to raising awareness about mental health but also to promoting European citizenship, inclusion, respect for diversity, and peaceful coexistence.