1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange “Mission Youth Mental Health”?
I was motivated to join this youth exchange because I wanted to better understand how young people can take care of their mental health in today’s fast-paced world. I believe mental health is just as important as physical health, and often it does not receive enough attention in schools or communities. I also wanted to connect with people from different countries and learn how they deal with similar challenges. Another motivation was to grow personally by leaving my comfort zone, meeting new cultures, and practicing my communication skills in an international environment. I was curious to discover practical tools that I could use for myself and also share with others in my community. This project gave me the opportunity to learn from professionals, but also from peers who experience similar struggles and victories. Finally, I felt this project would give me inspiration and motivation to be more open about mental health and to encourage others to do the same.
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned during the project? How will you use it?
The most interesting thing I learned during the project was how important active listening and empathy are when someone is struggling with mental health issues. I realized that sometimes people do not need advice right away; they need someone to listen to them without judgment. This changed the way I see conversations with friends, family, or colleagues. I also learned some practical stress-management techniques, such as breathing exercises and short mindfulness activities. I plan to use these techniques in my daily life whenever I feel overwhelmed, but also to share them with people around me who might benefit from them. By applying these tools, I can help create a more supportive and healthier environment in my community. For me, the most valuable lesson was that small actions can make a big difference in supporting mental health.
3. Which activity or session did you enjoy the most, and why?
The session I enjoyed the most was the interactive workshop where we worked in small groups to share personal experiences and create role-plays about mental health situations. I liked this activity because it gave us the chance to practice empathy and communication in a very real way. It was also fun and creative, while still being deeply meaningful. Through the role-play, I understood better how different people may react when facing stress, anxiety, or other challenges, and how important it is to respond with patience and compassion. This activity also helped me bond with other participants, as we laughed together, reflected together, and built trust within the group. I enjoyed it because it was not only about theory, but about living the experience and learning from each other.
4. How will you use the knowledge and skills from this project in your work back home?
Back home, I will use the knowledge and skills I gained by promoting open conversations about mental health among my friends and community. I want to share the tools and exercises I learned, such as mindfulness and stress-management techniques, with those who may not have access to such knowledge. I also plan to organize small group discussions or informal workshops where young people can talk about their feelings without fear of judgment. The communication skills I practiced, especially active listening and empathy, will be very useful in my daily interactions and in any future projects I take part in. I also want to be an example by taking care of my own mental health and showing others that it is okay to ask for help when needed. In this way, I hope to make a small but positive impact on the people around me.
5. If you could describe this experience in 3 words, what would they be?
Inspiring – Empowering – Transformative
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.