Keep Calm and Fight Depression: Raising Awareness for Better Mental Well-being🧠

Coordinated by FI Gesundheits- und Sportverein, the Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project "Keep Calm and Fight Depression" (Project No: 2023-1-AT01-KA152-YOU-000140024) was implemented in Klagenfurt, Austria 🇦🇹 from 16 to 23 December 2023. Bringing together young people from Austria 🇦🇹, Turkey 🇹🇷, Bulgaria 🇧🇬, Romania 🇷🇴, Portugal 🇵🇹, and Spain 🇪🇸, the project aimed to raise awareness about mental health, promote the responsible use of antidepressants, and encourage healthier ways of coping with depression and emotional challenges.

📊 The project was developed in response to the growing prevalence of depression and anxiety disorders worldwide, alongside the significant increase in antidepressant consumption across Europe. While antidepressants are essential medications when prescribed appropriately, the project highlighted the importance of avoiding unconscious or inappropriate use and encouraged participants to understand both their benefits and potential risks. Through educational sessions and awareness activities, young people learned how informed decisions and professional support are key to maintaining good mental health.

Throughout the project, participants explored drug-free coping strategies such as art, creativity, social interaction, self-discovery, and positive thinking. These activities encouraged young people to develop healthy habits, discover new hobbies, strengthen their self-confidence, and reduce feelings of loneliness by building meaningful social connections.

In addition to mental health education, the project promoted intercultural dialogue, inclusion, equal opportunities, volunteering, and active citizenship. Working together in an international environment enabled participants to improve their communication, teamwork, foreign language, and intercultural skills while fostering empathy and mutual understanding.

By the end of the exchange, participants had gained valuable knowledge about mental well-being, developed practical life skills, and became better prepared to raise awareness within their local communities. Through Erasmus+, the project contributed to building a generation of more informed, resilient, and socially connected young people who understand that seeking support, building healthy habits, and caring for mental health are essential parts of a fulfilling life.