Mental Health Support Initiatives for Students in Odesa
Throughout September, a series of events were held in the educational institutions of communal ownership in Odesa as part of the national mental health program «How are you?».
The activities were designed to support the mental health of all participants in the educational process.
For students and pupils, a thematic mental health week titled «To live in this world not in vain, we must, children, be friends!» was organized, along with psychological moments and emotional exercises, quests «With a Smile to the Land of Knowledge», and sessions on «How to Overcome Fear During Air Alerts». Children learned techniques to reduce emotional tension and cope with stress.
A competition for social video clips titled «The Meaning of Life and My Place in It», dance flash mobs as part of «Olympic Week», and various workshops and discussions were also held for students.
Teachers participated in roundtable discussions on «What is Mental Health and How to Preserve It?», meetings with psychologists on «Children's Mental Health During War», sessions of the «Safe Space» program, seminars, and lectures. During these events, approaches to supporting students in this challenging time were discussed.
Consultations and practical sessions on supporting children during the war were also organized for parents.
Additionally, school-wide events took place. Informational stands with QR codes for the «How are you?» program were placed in accessible locations.
To support mental health and reduce stress, initiatives such as «Mood Smile», «Hugs», psychological online classes, and individual consultations for all educational process participants were organized.
