The dust has settled after we’ve introduced ourselves, and after over 2000 views on Facebook, which we are over the moon about, we are now pressing ahead with 1 of our ongoing pieces of work #mentalstories
The idea behind this work is based on something that I experienced when conducting a thesis comparing 2 NGO services, treating young people with depression in UK and Croatia. Whilst reaching out across Europe for information it became obvious – we all suffer from mental health difficulties, but due to our different cultures, we experience it differently.
So we want to start a story by painting a picture, creating a narrative, BANGING THE DRUM about peoples experiences of mental health promotion and support for young people across Europe! The good, the bad and the ugly. How do we want you to do this you may ask??
HEARING FROM YOU!
We want people from all over Europe to start telling their stories about their experiences of mental health in their country:
- Maybe you are currently receiving services;
- Experienced services when younger, or;
- Had or have a friend or relative who has
From across Europe, we want you to draw, blog, film, record these stories and we will publish them on our website for the world to see, using your own name, or in secret, if this feels more comfortable. We want to make your story be heard for the millions of young people and professionals out there that will resonate with you and understand that they are not alone.
Stories are powerful. Stories break down stereotypes and create a narrative around a topic, especially one that is not spoken about as much as it should be like mental health. The impact could be huge!! So help us raise the awareness that health is not only for our organs, it is for our mind too. We thank you in advance!
We can provide support to do this, with a short brief, encouraging skype call, and the choice of anonymity to have something published and on our site.
Our criteria to get involved is:
- Based in a European Country
- Can relate to and tell a story of experiences of when you were under 21
- Are currently over 18
*Videos and blogs can be in your OWN language if you wish
As a conclusion of this piece of work, in May next year, Mental Health week 2018, we will look to bring everything we have to develop a narrative and illustrative story of what is going on across Europe and why there is a desperate need to ACT by encouraging collaboration between services and users, sharing best-practice and ensuring young people are empowered to have a voice in all matters that affect them around the promotion of mental health and the prevention of the impact of mental illness.
So – If you or anyone you know would like to contribute, please get in touch with us here and we will be in touch to inform you of the next steps.
We look forward to hearing you #mentalstories.
Stay Healthy, mentally!
Nick, Irina the EuroYouthMH team
Euro Youth Mental Health 