Mental health in Vienna's schools: a step towards dutation

Mental health in Vienna's schools: a step towards dutation

The mental challenges that students face these days are versatile and complex. For three years, an initiative has been organizing the so -called "Mental Health Days" at Vienna's schools to offer information and support in this important topic. These programs, which are also financed by the so -called Mertmillion of the city, have gained importance in recent years and are now being carried out in 150 schools in the city.

The Vice Mayor and City Councilor Christoph Return (NEOS) emphasized the importance of this initiative during a current visit to the Embelgasse vocational school. During the workshop, he recalled that schools are not only places of learning, but also rooms in which the students' well -being should be in the foreground. It is of central importance to give young people the opportunity to talk about their stress and to recognize the right offers of help.

the background story

The motives for the introduction of these days are profound and personal. Golle Marboe, the initiator of the program, tells of his own tragedy: six years ago, his son committed suicide, and this painful loss led to the realization that the knowledge of mental health is often lacking. Marboe wants to help other families avoid similar situations. The program offers a practical approach. In workshops, students learn to recognize the differences between simple sadness and serious depression and to discuss these topics openly.

The workshops last two hours and are designed to help the participants better understand themselves and others. Topics such as pressure to perform, body self -image and the conscious perception of one's own feelings are the focus. The aim is to encourage students to talk about their problems, which is considered an important sign of strength.

Return emphasizes how essential it is to reduce the stigma around mental illnesses. Open handling should lead to the fact that it will take support for students to look for support if necessary - as one would do this in the event of a physical injury.

The director of the vocational school, Daniela Kirnbauer, adds that the challenges that many students stand in front of are not only emotionally, but also practical. Apprentices often spend little time at school, which creates additional pressure. The "Mental Health Days" offer a framework to talk about this pressure and develop strategies that promote a positive everyday school life.

Another step to support the students will be the introduction of their own PSD teams (psychosocial service). From November 1st, these teams, consisting of psychologists and social workers, will be available in 52 school locations. They are also used to process acute cases of bullying, depression or violence. Schools can request the support of these teams via a hotline, which will add another important component to the care of students.

Overall, the goal of the "Mental Health Days" is not only to inform about mental health, but also to create a strongly networked offer of help and to significantly increase awareness of this topic. Further information on this important initiative can also be found in www.meinbezirk.at .