KICKING THE PAIN AWAY GENTLY

As Synaos Think Tank Association, we realized another successful project in Brno, Czechia, between June 21 and July 1. Project name: ’ Kicking the pain away – gently’ ;participating countries: : Czech Republic Italy Spain Portugal Turkey Poland.

This project provided our participants with the following benefits:

Introduction: The youth exchange on mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic was a transformative and empowering experience for all participants. Over the course of the project, we engaged in meaningful discussions, shared personal experiences, and learned valuable tools to cope with stress and pressures arising from pandemic emergencies. The project aimed to raise awareness of the importance of mental wellbeing among young people and empower us to address social challenges caused by the pandemic. This report contains the insights, strategies, and recommendations shared by participants, which we believe will be beneficial for us and others in the future.

Key Learnings and Strategies:

1. Understanding the Impact of the Pandemic: We recognized that the pandemic had diverse effects on mental health, such as feelings of loneliness, fear, and financial stress. Acknowledging the challenges is crucial to fostering a supportive environment and reducing the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
2. Importance of Communication: The exchange provided a safe space for open and honest conversations about our emotions and experiences. We discovered that talking to others and sharing our feelings can alleviate stress and foster a sense of connection and understanding.
3. Practicing Self-Compassion: Many participants emphasized the significance of self-compassion. We learned to treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, recognizing that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed during difficult times.
4. Mindfulness and Meditation: Techniques like mindfulness and meditation were introduced to us as effective tools to manage stress and anxiety. These practices helped us stay present, reduce racing thoughts, and find calmness in challenging situations.
5. Engaging in Physical Activities: Regular exercise and physical activities were found to be instrumental in maintaining mental wellbeing. Physical movements not only improved our mood but also helped us combat the sedentary lifestyle that the pandemic induced.
6. Building a Support Network: The exchange taught us the importance of surrounding ourselves with a supportive network of family, friends, and peers. Having someone to talk to and seek help from during tough times can make a significant difference.
7. Setting Boundaries: Participants recognized the necessity of setting boundaries between work, study, and personal life during the pandemic. This practice allowed for better time management and reduced burnout.
8. Seeking Professional Help: The project emphasized the significance of seeking professional help when needed. Many participants shared their positive experiences with therapy and counseling, which had a profound impact on their mental wellbeing.

Recommendations for the Future:

1. Mental Health Education: Incorporate mental health education into school curriculums and youth programs to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
2. Supportive Environments: Create supportive environments in schools, workplaces, and communities where young people feel comfortable discussing mental health challenges and seeking help without judgment.
3. Accessible Mental Health Services: Ensure easy access to mental health services and resources, including online counseling and helplines, to provide immediate assistance to those in need.
4. Online Mental Health Platforms: Develop online platforms that offer informative content, coping strategies, and support networks to assist young people during crises like the pandemic.
5. Mental Health Check-ins: Encourage regular mental health check-ins among peers, family members, and colleagues to promote open conversations and ensure timely support.

Conclusion: The youth exchange on mental wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic provided us with invaluable knowledge and tools to cope with stress and pressures in emergency situations. By sharing our experiences and learning from each other, we became better equipped to address mental health challenges. This report highlights the strategies and recommendations discussed during the project, aiming to contribute to the mental wellbeing of young people and society as a whole. Let us use these insights and work collectively to create a more resilient and supportive world in the face of future emergencies.

Synaos Fikir Kulübü olarak,21 Haziran-1 Temmuz tarihleri arasında Çekya’nın Brno kentinde başarılı bir proje daha gerçekleştirdik. Projenin adı :’ Kicking the pain away – gently’;katılan ülkeler: Czech Republic Italy Spain Portugal Turkey Poland.