Less is More in Mental Well-Being!

Simplified strategies for addressing the complexities of Youth Mental Health in educational settings.

The rise of psychology in the early 20th century, brought attention to schools as privileged context for promoting mental well-being and supporting students facing mental health challenges. Official recognition of the critical role schools play in mental health promotion and prevention, began in 2013 with the World Health Organization’s Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2020, for example. Since then, the call for schools to take more proactive role has only intensified. In the last 5 years, there has been a growing advocacy for schools to integrate health literacy into their curricula as a strategy for preventing mental health issues among young people, empowering students to manage their menntal well-being from na early age.

Mental Health has gained prominence in the last decades, gradually becoming a part of everyday conversations and the reality of developed countries. There is a growing global recognition of the importance of investing in policies and practices that promote mental health across different stages of life. The health crisis of 2020 further amplified the visibility of mental health, putting related challenges at the forefront of global healthcare agendas, governmental policies and public awareness.

Adolescence and mental health

Adolescence is a particularly challenging stage for mental health preservation due to the rapid physical, emotional and social changes teenagers undergo. Emotionally, this stage is characterised by the continuous search of belonging, moving beyond family roots to explore deeper relationships. For teenagers, self-awareness becomes central as they struggle to find their identity, their place in the world, and their future. Balancing individuality with a desire for social integration often creates internal conflict, making it difficult for teenagers to navigate their emotions and behaviours.

Common adolescent behaviours such as mood swings, social withdrawal, body image concerns, and changes in sleep patterns are part of regular development. However, if these behaviours persist or intensify, intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration of their well-being. This is particularly relevant in today’s digital world, where teenagers are exposed to a constant stream of information – both true and false – and can interact with strangers globally with a simple click.

Addressing teenagers directly on their behaviours, thoughts or feelings, often doesn’t result in productive conversations for several reasons as: fear of being judged or ridiculed, lack of emotional awareness or vocabulary, difficulty in exposing themselves and privacy concerns, overemphasis on problems, among other reasons.

So, if discussing development challenges with teenagers is tough, imagine the complexities of addressing mental health struggles!

This is where the YoungMinds project comes in. Its goal is to provide a simple yet effective approach to helping teens reflect on and discuss mental health topics. Teachers act as facilitators, guiding students through discussions about mental health in a supportive environment.

Despite the complexity of mental health issues, the project’s methodology is refreshingly simple: by using European films and videos, students are encouraged to reflect on and share their perspectives on the themes or characters presented. This approach leverages the power of storytelling to engage students in a relatable, accessible way.

The simplicity of the approach lies in using existing videos and films as starting points for conversation. Paired with ice-breaking activities, subject-related content, and additional materials developed by the consortium, the video screenings help create a more relaxed and informal atmosphere. A philosophical inquiry method is also integrated, allowing teachers to explore the complexity behind mental health issues by asking thought-provoking questions that deepen students’ understanding of mental health disorders, psychosocial aspects, and coping mechanisms.

As a partner in this project, INOVA+ is responsible for coordinating the design and deliver of a training programme that prepares teachers from Croatia, Portugal, Lithuania, and Greece to use the project’s approach and resources. The training will combine webinars, autonomous learning, and national sessions, serving as preparation for the pilot phase in schools and enhancing its effectiveness by embracing simple yet impactful approaches.

What supports can teachers expect from the YoungMinds project?

Two key resources will be provided to teachers in upper-secondary schools:

1. LIGHTS, CAMERA, MENTAL HEALTH | European Films and Documentaries About Mental Health for the Classroom
   This booklet features 20 short films designed to spark open, stigma-free discussions in the classroom. The films are divided into two sections: emotional stories and educational clips that cover specific mental health topics. Each film profile includes key issues, lesson plans, and resources to help teachers facilitate engaging and inclusive conversations about mental health.
2. YOUNGMINDS HANDBOOK | Using Movies to Reflect and Dialogue with Young People About Mental Health in Schools
   This handbook provides teachers with background information about the project, its methodology, and detailed lesson plans. It includes activities to support the use of selected videos, organised into two sections: artistic short films and educational clips. Additionally, a lesson plan for students to create their own mental health videos is included. All worksheets and activity materials are provided.

By providing these resources, the project seeks to enhance teachers’ ability to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent mental health challenges in adolescence, and support young people facing mental health difficulties. The resources are tailored to upper-secondary students, adapting to their developmental stages and competences. Although designed for use in schools, these films and activities are also suitable for other organisations working with young people in non-formal settings.

By embracing simple yet impactful approaches, a significant difference can be made in the mental well-being of future generations. Open dialogue, empathy, and education have the power to break down stigma and create a healthier, more supportive environment for all. In this context, YoungMinds aims to inform students about accessible mental health support, encourage open conversations, promote peer-to-peer support, and help young people build emotional resilience and coping mechanisms. Through partnerships like the YoungMinds project, we strive to provide tools, resources, and support for teachers and young people to navigate these challenges together.

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