Promoting Mental Health in Educational Institutions of Odesa
Throughout August 2025, educational institutions owned by the municipality of Odesa implemented a series of initiatives aimed at enhancing the awareness of participants in the educational process regarding mental health, developing self-regulation skills, and fostering care for psychological well-being.
Specifically, for students, the following activities were organized:
- interactive sessions based on the materials of the «Visual Album» «My Mood», «Help a Friend», «Our Goals for the Future», «How to Maintain Mental Health», etc.;
- art therapeutic and relaxation exercises such as «Colors of the Body», «Alphabet of Strength», «Quiet Room»;
- games to create psychological comfort like «Gift Me a Smile», «Compliments», «My Mood», «Gift to a Friend»;
- a quest titled «We Are from the Future» (focusing on emotional intelligence and teamwork);
- class hours on «Mental Health as an Essential Component of Life», «Supporting Students' Mental Health Daily»;
- a sports festival called «United by Sports» within the framework of the «SensorTech. How Are You?» initiative.
Teachers participated in training sessions, seminars, and workshops on topics such as «Ecology of the Soul. Prevention of Emotional Burnout», «Psychosocial Health of Teachers: How Not to Burn Out», «How to Take Care of Your Mental Health as a Teacher?», «Work-Life Balance», «Safe School. Masks of Bullying».
Additionally, practical exercises on «How to Calm Anxiety», masterclasses on «Emotional Literacy: How to Maintain Balance as a Teacher», and quizzes with elements of psychological relief were conducted.
As part of the informational and educational activities, video presentations and screenings of videos on «Stress and Anxiety: How to Protect Mental Health», as well as animated clips with recommendations for psychological support were organized.
Posters with QR codes from the nationwide mental health program «How Are You?» were placed in accessible areas, along with printed informational materials (leaflets).
Students and teachers have the opportunity to consult with the school psychologist for support and consultations regarding mental health.
