BUCHARESTMental Health Literacy Program
BUCHARESTProgram 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 Bucharest, workshops on mental health topics began to be delivered by Inocenti psychologists in 2022, the direct beneficiaries being over 100 teenagers, students of the “Traian” Theoretical High School.
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:
- understanding how to build and maintain great mental health
- understanding mental disorders and their treatments
- decreasing stigma related to mental disorders
- increasing the likelihood of people seeking specialist help
The Mental Health Literacy project is structured as follows:
- Session 1 – adolescence, changes and challenges specific to the developmental stage;
- Session 2 – mental health, the factors that influence it, maintaining a good level of mental health
- Session 3 – emotions and their role in our lives
- Session 4 – anxiety, identifying potential symptoms and strategies for managing them
- Session 5 – depression, identifying potential symptoms and strategies for managing them
- Session 6 – body image and its relationship to mental health and strategies for students to take care of their bodies
At the same time we consider:
- Creating a safe environment in which they discuss with specialists the changes and the emotions that emerge, as well as the challenges specific to this age.
- Encouraging the development of resilience through awareness of available internal and external resources.
- Increasing the level of empathy and support among students regarding mental health difficulties.
- Increasing awareness of risk factors and early signs of mental health problems.
- Creating and providing psycho-educational resources for teens that include relevant information on six of the most commonly addressed mental health topics: ADHD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, depression, specific phobias, anger and frustration management.
The ”Mental Health Literacy Program” takes place in the following schools and high schools:
- “Școala Centrală” National College
- “Petru Maior” Technical College
- Middle School no. 190, Bucharest
- Middle School no. 119, Bucharest
- Middle School Ferdinand I, Bucharest
In 2023 the Inocenti team together have supported:
- 217 teenagers in 35 mental health sessions
WHO WE AREMeet our specialists
Mirabela Stoinoiu
Psychotherapist
Sandrina Ciocănaru
Psychologist
Bogdana Busuioc
Psychologist
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
