1. What motivated you to join this youth exchange “Mission Youth Mental Health”?
I was motivated by my desire to gain knowledge about mental health. Until now, this topic had not been a major focus in my life, which is why I decided to apply for this exchange. I expected to learn what mental health really is and how it is applied in everyday life. I was also interested in hearing professionals speak about these topics and in working more deeply and in detail on mental health-related issues. Additionally, I expected to socialize and meet people from different European countries. Another motivation for me was the opportunity to practice my Romanian and Italian language skills in an international environment.
2. What was the most interesting thing you learned during the project? How will you use it?
During the project, I learned what meditation is, how it is practiced, what it is used for, and how it is connected to mental health. I also learned how mental health care systems function in other countries in the region. In addition, I gained basic knowledge about the Bulgarian language and culture. I learned what manipulation means and how to protect myself from it, as well as how to communicate better with others, connect with people, and learn from nature. I also learned about the main causes of mental health problems, how to recognize them, and which strategies can be used to help someone in need. Through all of this, I learned a lot about myself as well.
3. Which activity or session did you enjoy the most, and why?
It is very difficult to choose just one session, as each activity was interesting and different from the others. However, I would highlight two workshops that had a particularly strong impact on me. The first was the Art Therapy workshop, led by guest facilitators from Blagoevgrad, where we explored creative expression and made puppets using napkins and sandwich-wrapping paper. The second was a workshop led by participant Ognjen Nikolić, during which we learned breathing exercises as a method for calming down and exploring mental health. Overall, every workshop in this project left a meaningful impression on me.
4. How will you use the knowledge and skills from this project in your work back home?
When I return home, I plan to use the knowledge I gained in several concrete ways. First, I will make an effort to explain in detail to my family what I learned during the project, as everyone faces challenges and it is important to help others whenever possible. I also plan to ask my psychology teacher at school for one class period (45 minutes) to give a presentation to my classmates about mental health and what I learned through the exchange. Additionally, I am considering organizing a meditation session in my local community. Although there are many prejudices and misunderstandings around meditation, I believe that breathing-based meditation techniques can be very useful and accessible. I will continue to promote awareness and knowledge about mental health in my community.
5. If you could describe this experience in three words, what would they be?
Crazy – Unforgettable – Fun
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.
