Debating for Mental Wellness in Youth Work

Mental health become a significant issue in the European Union (EU), with a significant number of young people experiencing mental health challenges. The issue is provided in more documents. According to a report from the European Commission, mental health problems are the leading cause of disability in the EU. In 2018, mental and behavioural disorders accounted for 22.7% of the total years of healthy life lost in the EU. Another study, by Eurostat, found that almost 84 million people in the EU reported experiencing a mental health problem in 2019. This represents around 18% of the EU's population. The same Eurostat study found that women were more likely to report experiencing a mental health problem than men. In 2019, 22% of women in the EU reported experiencing a mental health problem, compared to 14% of men.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on mental health in the EU. A survey by the European Psychiatric Association found that the pandemic had led to an increase in anxiety and depression among people in the EU.

Mental health problems can have a significant economic impact. The European Commission estimates that mental health problems cost the EU economy around €600 billion each year in lost productivity and healthcare costs. Mental health is a significant issue in the EU.

The project has the following objectives:

• To raise awareness about mental health issues among youth workers: One of the primary objectives is to increase knowledge and understanding of mental health challenges and their impact on youth workers. This involves providing training sessions, workshops, and educational materials to youth workers to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of mental health problems.
• To develop skills for supporting youth with mental health issues: Youth workers need to have the skills to support young people who may be experiencing mental health challenges. Objectives include training youth workers in active listening, empathy, and other communication skills that can be used to support young people who may be experiencing mental health challenges.
• To reduce the stigma associated with mental health challenges: Stigma associated with mental health challenges can be a significant barrier to seeking help. An objective of the project is to reduce stigma by raising awareness, promoting positive attitudes toward mental health, and providing information and resources that challenge common misconceptions about mental health.
• To improve access to mental health resources and services: Youth workers may need to refer young people to mental health resources and services. Objectives could include developing partnerships with mental health organizations and service providers, creating a directory of local resources, and increasing the availability of mental health resources and services for youth.
• To promote self-care and resilience among youth workers: Caring for others can be challenging and stressful, so an objective of the project is to encourage self-care and resilience among youth workers. This involves providing resources and training on stress management, self-care techniques, and building resilience to prevent burnout and improve the overall well-being of youth workers.