Mental health and well-being training activities for disadvantaged adults
Aware of the urgent need to address the issues related to the mental and emotional health of disadvantaged adults, we, the adult trainers CRUM Association from Romana, are committed to promoting the activities and resources necessary to improve their psychological and emotional well-being. In a world undergoing constant change, our learners aspire to transformation, but often feel that it must come from others, as the resources and knowledge needed to take this step are not always readily available in the way they would like.
Our findings, obtained through the application of the DASS questionnaire (Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales) to members of our community, have revealed alarming levels of depression, anxiety, and stress, especially among vulnerable groups whom we counsel in their careers and entrepreneurship. The economic crisis has affected entire families, and adults experience a persistent state of insecurity and uncertainty about the future. Negative messages perpetuated by the media exacerbate this issue, placing additional pressure on adults who often feel overwhelmed by their responsibilities to their families and society.
Negative mental states directly impact the chances of reemployment and the relaunch of their businesses, as well as the motivation to continue lifelong learning. Employees suffer from fear of losing their jobs, resulting in decreased performance. The low involvement of demotivated adults in activities and personal development programs is a major issue we face, and trainers often feel ill-equipped to address this situation.
We also grappled with a lack of effective methods for encouraging and empowering vulnerable adults with whom we work, as well as an insufficient number of attractive non-formal education options for them. Skills in stress management and change management in training rooms are underdeveloped, and our trainers and psychologists have been confronted with a significant group of demotivated and demoralized adults for whom adequate solutions are still lacking.
It is time to take responsibility and take action in favor of these disadvantaged adults, as their mental and emotional well-being is a vital component of a healthy and prosperous society. This is why we implemented in our area the Erasmus + Ka1 project “EME+ Mental and Emotional education – a plus for longlife learning for vulnerable adults”, 2021-2-RO01-KA122-ADU-000041738.
This article aims to promote concrete actions that will help these adults regain their well-being, improve their skills, and rebuild their self-confidence, thereby becoming active members and valuable contributors to our society. All methods have been gained through international mobility and local action, cofounded by the Erasmus+ programme.
We would like to give a special thank you to Edu2grow Association, from Portugal, that trained our trainers in most of the described methods below.
Activities that promote mental health, developed in our workshops:
Certainly, here's a breakdown of content for each of the topics mentioned when working with vulnerable adults:
1. **Mental Health: What It Is and How It Affects Our Daily Activity:**
- Content: Understanding the concept of mental health, its impact on daily life, and recognizing the connection between mental and physical well-being.
2. **What Mental Health Is and Is Not:**
- Content: Clarifying misconceptions about mental health, addressing stigma, and differentiating between mental health and mental illness.
3. **Mental Health – Costs and Incidence:**
- Content: Discussing the economic and social costs of mental health issues, prevalence rates, and the importance of early intervention.
4. **How Can We Intervene to Increase Well-being?:**
- Content: Exploring strategies and activities that promote mental well-being, including self-care, seeking support, and building resilience.
5. **How Are People Happy?:**
- Content: Investigating the factors that contribute to happiness, such as positive relationships, personal growth, and a sense of purpose.
6. **Behaviors - Acts of Kindness:**
- Content: Encouraging acts of kindness and their positive impact on mental health, both for the giver and the receiver.
7. **Thoughts:**
- Content: Discussing the power of thoughts, cognitive distortions, and techniques for challenging negative thought patterns.
8. **Emotions and Regulation of Emotions:**
- Content: Understanding emotions, their role in mental health, and techniques for managing and regulating emotions, including mindfulness and emotional intelligence.
9. **Treatments/Activities:**
- Content: Exploring various treatment options and activities that support mental health, such as therapy, meditation, art therapy, and journaling.
10. **Factors That Contribute to Mental Health Problems:**
- Content: Identifying risk factors like stress, trauma, substance abuse, and social isolation that can contribute to mental health issues.
11. **Early Warning Signs That Can Indicate That a Person Is at Risk of a Mental Health Problem:**
- Content: Educating individuals on recognizing warning signs in themselves and others, including changes in behavior, mood, and social withdrawal.
12. **Ways to Maintain Positive Mental Health:**
- Content: Providing practical tips and strategies for maintaining and enhancing mental well-being, including a balanced lifestyle, social connections, and setting goals.
Each of these topics can be developed into workshops, discussions, or educational materials to provide comprehensive support for vulnerable adults in their journey toward better mental health and well-being.
