The Turkish team returned home from Bulgaria with more than just memories they returned with practical tools, deeper self-awareness, and a renewed understanding of the importance of mental well-being in youth work and everyday life.

During our participation in TC''Youth Workers’ Lab for Mental Well-being''  in Bulgaria organized by Provision International, funded by the European Union and supported by partner organisations from across Europe, participants explored emotional resilience, stress management, digital well-being, and the power of community through non-formal education methods and interactive activities.

For the Turkish participants, one of the most impactful aspects of the training was the safe and open environment created throughout the week. Through group discussions, emotional mapping exercises, reflection sessions, and teamwork, participants had the opportunity to openly discuss topics that are often ignored in daily life burnout, anxiety, social pressure, uncertainty about the future, and emotional exhaustion.

One of the activities that left a strong impression on the group was the emotional mapping workshop, where participants visualised emotions connected to their personal and professional lives. Seeing words such as “stress,” “fear,” and “pressure” next to “hope,” “acceptance,” and “purpose” reminded everyone that mental health is not about avoiding difficult emotions, but about learning how to manage and balance them in a healthy way.

The workshop also focused on practical solutions to real-life challenges faced by young people and youth workers today. Together, participants explored ways to cope with burnout, lack of motivation, academic pressure, and feelings of isolation. The Turkish team especially appreciated the discussions around building healthy routines, setting realistic goals, and understanding the importance of rest and boundaries.

Another important topic during the training was digital resilience. In a world dominated by constant notifications and social media pressure, participants reflected on their own digital habits and discussed how excessive screen time affects concentration, sleep, confidence, and emotional well-being. The activities encouraged participants to become more mindful of their online behavior and to reconnect with offline activities, nature, hobbies, and meaningful human interaction.

Beyond the educational sessions, the intercultural atmosphere of the project played a huge role in the learning experience. Sharing music, stories, traditions, and everyday conversations with participants from different countries created a strong sense of belonging and solidarity. Informal moments  laughing together, listening to music, dancing, and exchanging personal experiences  became just as valuable as the workshops themselves.

The Turkish team is now motivated to transfer the knowledge and methods gained during the training into their local communities. As part of the dissemination activities, participants plan to organise local workshops and discussions focused on stress management, emotional well-being, and healthy coping mechanisms for young people.

This experience in Bulgaria became an important reminder that mental health is not a destination, but an ongoing process that requires care, balance, support, and community. Sometimes the smallest actions taking a break, speaking honestly, listening to someone, or simply slowing down  can make the biggest difference.

This article was prepared as part of the dissemination activities of the training course and reflects the experiences and perspectives of the participants.