Discovering the Source of Happiness: Young People Found the Solution Within Themselves

On the third 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, the focus shifted toward increasing participants' self-awareness and helping them discover their own inner strengths in coping with depression. Young people from Austria, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, and Spain took part in a series of interactive activities that approached mental well-being from different perspectives.

The day began with the energizing team-building game "Who is the Coordinator?", allowing participants to start the morning in a positive atmosphere. Through fun and engaging activities, they learned each other's names, strengthened their communication skills, and further developed a strong sense of teamwork and cooperation.

The programme continued with case study sessions, where participants analyzed real-life scenarios related to depression and mental health. Working in groups, they discussed possible solutions, exchanged ideas, and improved their problem-solving abilities while learning to approach challenges from multiple perspectives.

One of the day's key sessions, "Happiness Cures," encouraged participants to explore the personal sources of happiness and emotional well-being. Through discussions and experience sharing, they reflected on stress management, positive thinking, and psychological resilience, realizing that lasting happiness is not determined solely by external circumstances but can also be cultivated from within.

Participants then took part in the "Discover Your Why, Discover Yourself" workshop, where they explored their interests, personal strengths, and individual talents. These self-development activities emphasized how discovering new hobbies, developing personal skills, and actively participating in social life can contribute significantly to improving mental well-being and reducing the risk of depression.

The day's final educational session, "You Have the Solution, Don't Seek Drugs," highlighted the importance of recognizing one's own internal resources when facing emotional challenges. Participants discussed how professional medical support should always guide the use of medication while also exploring the positive impact of social support, creativity, sports, art, communication, and meaningful activities as healthy and sustainable ways of maintaining good mental health.

The evening concluded with continued preparations for the project's awareness-raising short film and intercultural activities, allowing participants to strengthen both their collaborative work and the friendships they had built throughout the exchange.

By the end of the third day, participants had developed a deeper understanding that one of the most powerful tools in overcoming depression is self-awareness, recognizing personal strengths, building meaningful social connections, and embracing healthy, positive ways of coping with life's challenges.