Organized by: NGO Refresh and Academy of Technical and Vocational Studies Pirot
Lecturer: Jelena Krstić Anđelković, Psychotherapist
Overview of the Event: As part of the activities within the UNI HEALTH project, a one-day workshop titled “Connection Between Mental and Physical Health” was held on November 22, 2024. The workshop was organized within the premisses and the support of the Academy of Technical and Vocational Studies in Pirot.
Key Topics Discussed: The main focus of the workshop was to highlight the connection between mental and physical health. The following key topics were addressed:
-The relationship between mental and physical health
-Coping with stress
-Psychosomatic disorders
-Recognizing signs of psychosomatic disorders
-Practical advice and techniques for improving mental and physical well-being
Target Audience: The workshop was attended by high school students, university students, but also the representatives of relevant institution works with young people, (school psychologists, and other representatives of relevant institutions) 42 people attended
Conclusion: The workshop provided valuable insights into the interconnectedness of mental and physical health. Attendees gained knowledge on how to recognize psychosomatic symptoms and received practical advice for managing stress and improving overall well-being. The event successfully achieved its goal of raising awareness and promoting mental and physical health among young people in the field.
Report of the specialist:
As a part of this activity beside the event the research on youth mental health was conduced. The specialit who were involved in the desig of event also designed and conduct a small research about mentah health among students and young people.
Questionnaire Analysis and Key Findings
A questionnaire, specifically designed for the needs of the workshop, aimed to examine the health status, psychosomatic reactions and symptoms, personality traits, current psychological state, and coping mechanisms for stressful situations and distressing emotions.
Respondent Demographics:
The questionnaire was completed by 37 participants, of which:
22 participants were born between 2000 and 2009,
13 participants were born between 1999 and 1978.
Out of the total participants, 30 were female and 7 were male.
General Health Assessment:
The majority of respondents described their general (psychophysical) health as:
Variable (18 respondents, more than half of the total),
Good (9 respondents),
Excellent (5 respondents).
Leading Psychosomatic Reactions:
The most commonly reported psychosomatic reactions were:
Loss of energy, willpower, and strength,
Tachycardia (increased heart rate),
Headaches.
Personality Traits and Psychological Profile:
Participants commonly described themselves as:
Family-oriented, viewing family as a refuge, support, and safe haven,
Future-oriented, with a strong focus on goals (which is expected given that most participants belong to an academic age group).
The psychological profile of respondents revealed a tendency to remain silent about issues they find unpleasant. A significant number of these responses highlight the need for psychological and psychotherapeutic support in the form of prevention, education, and psychological growth and development.
Many participants also described themselves as sensitive, prone to crying, worried, and angry. This indicates a need for greater psychophysical care.
Dominant Emotions:
Among positive emotions, the most frequently reported were:
Joy (20 respondents),
Love (18 respondents).
Among negative emotions, the most commonly reported were:
Restlessness (19 respondents),
Fatigue (18 respondents).
These findings raise the issue of rest and the need for timely relaxation. They also call for an exploration of the causes of fatigue among participants. Addressing these issues could include introducing relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, relaxation therapy, and psychotherapy, as well as investigating the reasons behind persistent restlessness.
Current Psychological State and Mood:
Participants described their mental state and mood as:
Unstable, fluctuating from feeling great to feeling awful (13 respondents),
Stable, with a generally good mood and no significant fluctuations (11 respondents),
Nervous without an apparent reason (8 respondents).
Stress-Coping Strategies:
When under stress or emotionally unstable, participants tend to:
Isolate themselves (14 respondents),
Cry (14 respondents),
Engage in other activities (13 respondents).
A smaller number of respondents reported engaging in:
Sports (3 respondents),
Rest (2 respondents),
Socializing (8 respondents),
Talking with a professional (8 respondents).
Recommendations for Further Support:
Given these findings, it is recommended to encourage:
Social gatherings, sharing of problems, and social connection through fun, educational, and recreational activities,
Participation in sports activities,
Development of a sense of community through psychological experiential workshops,
Promotion of emotional literacy and mental hygiene,
Guidance for young people to engage in physical activity, sports, relaxation techniques, and psychotherapy,
The development of a culture of self-care and the cultivation of psychophysical well-being.
Workshop Evaluation:
The evaluation questionnaires indicate a high level of satisfaction with the workshop, the experiences gained, and the knowledge acquired. Participants reported a high level of motivation to explore this field further. Additionally, the workshop significantly raised participants’ awareness of their bodily experiences and the importance of psychophysical health.
