BISTRITAMental Health Literacy Program
BISTRITAProgram details
About 50% of mental illnesses start in adolescence. According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization, globally, 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 experience a mental disorder, with half of these beginning to manifest around the age of 14. However, most disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. The same report shows that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds.
In Romania, about 22,000 children and adolescents live with a diagnosis of mental illness, and many others face various developmental, emotional or cognitive difficulties (source: Unicef Romania).
Considering the current situation and in order to meet the needs of adolescents and young people in terms of psycho-education, in 2018, the project “Mental Health Literacy” was launched in Cluj-Napoca.
In Bistrita, workshops on mental health and neuroscience topics began to be delivered by Innocenti specialists in 2020, with over 1,300 children, teenagers, school counselors, teachers and parents being direct beneficiaries.
The program is structured in interactive sessions in which topics such as: stigma and myths regarding mental health, body image, emotions, anxiety, depression, strategies to cope with the symptoms associated with disorders, as well as the development of resilience are addressed.
Mental Health Literacy
Psychoeducational resources
Dedicated specialists
Stronger Together!
- OBJECTIVES
- ACTIVITIES
- BENEFICIARIES
We seek to increase mental health information and awareness in the community through structured sessions delivered by Inocenti psychologists, with a focus on:
- Creating a safe environment in which they discuss with specialists about depression, anxiety, stress;
- Understanding the neurobiological mechanisms involved in the mentioned concepts;
- Developing empathy and interpersonal relationships;
- Managing stress and anxiety;
- Development of creative skills;
- Improving concentration and decision-making;
- Management of bullying situations;
- Fighting the stigma associated with mental disorders;
- Facilitating access to resources and specialized help.
Workshops that include methods such as: role-play, relaxation exercises, stress management techniques, use of video materials, brainstorming, team/individual work sessions/activities.
*the structure and duration of the intervention is established by mutual agreement with the partners involved, taking into account the needs, age and dynamics of the target group.
The program is created for children, teenagers, teachers, school counselors, but also parents.
Contact
Mihaela Mihalca, mihaela.mihalca@inocenti.ro
WHO WE AREMeet our specialists
Mihaela S. Mihalca
Psychopedagogue
Andrada Miron
Social worker
Ioana Miron
Psychologist
Maria Moldovan
Community development facilitator
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS
Resources
Inocenti Foundation psychologists support children and adolescents with a series of materials adapted to their psycho-emotional needs, providing them with information, resources and strategies to manage symptoms associated with various mental disorders. These materials are useful for both parents and mental health professionals.
Information booklets for adolescents
We bring to the attention of teenagers and their parents relevant information on six of the most commonly discussed mental health topics: ADHD, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, depression, specific phobias, anger and frustration management, body image and eating disorders.
MEDIAMoments from the program
SUPPORT US!
Become a volunteer!
Ways to support us
Donate for the continuity of our programs
Donate goods
Redirect 3.5% of your personal income tax
