Breaking the Silence: Young People Challenge Mental Health Myths in Madrid

The second day of the Erasmus+ KA152 Youth Exchange project "Unmasking Emotions" (Project No. 2025-3-ES02-KA152-YOU-000385559), coordinated by Generaciones Saludables España, continued in Madrid, Spain, with a series of interactive workshops dedicated to understanding mental health, challenging misconceptions, and promoting emotional well-being. Bringing together young people from Spain, Türkiye, Italy, Hungary, and Georgia, the project continues to provide a safe space where participants learn through experience, dialogue, and intercultural cooperation.

The day began with the "Silent Mind Break" session, allowing participants to slow down, focus on their breathing, and reconnect with their inner thoughts through mindfulness and body-awareness exercises. This reflective start encouraged young people to recognize their emotions, reduce stress, and appreciate the importance of taking care of their mental well-being in everyday life.

Participants then took part in the "Mental Health Misconceptions" workshop, where they explored common myths and stereotypes surrounding mental health. Through interactive discussions, collaborative activities, and intercultural exchanges, they compared perspectives from their own countries while replacing misinformation with scientifically based knowledge. The session encouraged critical thinking and demonstrated how open dialogue can help reduce prejudice and stigma.

The learning continued with the "Red Flags – Green Flags" activity, during which participants analysed real-life situations related to emotional well-being and discussed healthy and unhealthy behavioural patterns. Working in international teams, they reflected on warning signs of mental health difficulties, identified supportive responses, and exchanged ideas on how young people can better support one another during challenging times.

Later in the day, creativity became a powerful learning tool during the "From Microphone to Pen" workshop. Inspired by podcasts and personal reflections, participants transformed their thoughts and emotions into stories, creative texts, and group presentations. The activity strengthened communication skills while demonstrating how art and storytelling can become effective ways of expressing emotions and raising awareness about mental health.

The programme concluded with the "Feedback Dice" reflection session, where participants shared the most meaningful moments of the day, discussed the knowledge they had gained, and reflected on their personal development. Their feedback highlighted not only increased awareness of mental health but also stronger empathy, self-confidence, and mutual understanding within the international group.

Through another day of non-formal learning, Unmasking Emotions continued to demonstrate that conversations about mental health can break stereotypes, strengthen emotional resilience, and encourage young people to become more supportive, informed, and active members of their communities.