Bringing Depression Awareness to the Community: Young People Engaged Local Citizens in Klagenfurt

During the fourth and fifth days 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, the focus shifted from educational sessions to community engagement and awareness-raising activities. Bringing together young people from Austria, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, and Spain, the project encouraged participants to take an active role in promoting mental health awareness and highlighting the risks associated with the unconscious use of antidepressants.

The programme began with a guided tour of Klagenfurt, where participants explored the city's historical and cultural landmarks. Beyond discovering the local heritage, the activity strengthened intercultural learning by allowing young people from different countries to share perspectives and experiences while developing their teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through collaborative exploration.

One of the most impactful activities of the project was the "Caution! Danger of Death" awareness campaign held in the city centre. Participants created a symbolic installation using empty antidepressant medicine boxes collected from their home countries to draw public attention to the potential dangers of the misuse of antidepressants. They engaged directly with local residents, promoting the message that long-term well-being is supported by professional guidance, healthy coping strategies, and social support rather than the inappropriate use of medication alone. Visitors were also invited to participate in the campaign and help spread its message.

On the fifth day, participants organized the Town Centre – Booth – Survey activity, where they set up an information stand in the city centre and interacted with members of the local community. Through surveys and conversations, they gathered public opinions on mental health, depression, and antidepressant use while also introducing the Erasmus+ Programme and the objectives of the project. These outreach activities enabled participants to strengthen their foreign language, public speaking, and interpersonal communication skills by engaging with people from different backgrounds and age groups.

The day also included interactive games with local young people and continued filming for the project's awareness-raising short film. Working together throughout the production process, participants enhanced their creativity, organizational skills, teamwork, and practical experience in media production while transforming the project's messages into an engaging educational resource.

Through these dissemination and community engagement activities, the project extended its impact far beyond the participants themselves, successfully reaching the wider public. At the same time, the young participants experienced the value of active citizenship, volunteering, and social responsibility, demonstrating how international cooperation can contribute to raising awareness about mental health within local communities.