The First Step in Fighting Depression: Young People United Around a Common Purpose in Klagenfurt

Coordinated by FI Gesundheits- und Sportverein, the Erasmus+ Youth Exchange project "Keep Calm and Fight Depression" (Project No: 2023-1-AT01-KA152-YOU-000140024) brought together young participants from Austria, Türkiye, Bulgaria, Romania, Portugal, and Spain in Klagenfurt, Austria. Aiming to raise awareness about the unconscious use of antidepressants and introduce young people to drug-free approaches for coping with depression, the project began with a series of activities designed to help participants get to know one another while gaining a comprehensive understanding of the project's objectives.

The opening session introduced participants to the Erasmus+ Programme and the Youthpass Certificate, followed by a detailed presentation of the project's goals, methodology, and weekly programme. This enabled participants not only to become familiar with the schedule of activities but also to develop a shared understanding of the project's central focus on promoting mental health awareness.

During the first day, the Chat Box activity encouraged participants to communicate in foreign languages, strengthening intercultural interaction while fostering new friendships. By creating personalized letter boxes, participants established a creative communication tool that they would continue using throughout the project.

The session titled "Not the Antidepressant, Misuse is Dangerous" provided participants with evidence-based information on the appropriate use of antidepressants in the treatment of depression. Through expert presentations and group discussions, young people explored the potential risks of unconscious medication use and gained a better understanding of the importance of seeking professional support for mental health challenges.

Later in the day, participants began preparing the awareness-raising short film that would be produced during the project. As part of the "Information About the Short Film, Long Life" activity, teams were formed for scriptwriting, filming, acting, translation, dubbing, and coordination, ensuring that every participant took on an active role in the production process.

The day concluded with a daily evaluation session, during which participants reflected on their experiences and shared feedback, while team leaders reviewed the outcomes and discussed ways to further improve the implementation of the project.

By the end of the first day, young people from six different countries had already developed a strong sense of teamwork and mutual understanding, recognizing that raising awareness about depression and promoting mental well-being is not only an individual responsibility but also a shared social commitment.