Psychological Strength and Well-Being

As WALD, we have been continuing our mentorship activities with youth, children and adults  without pausing since 2018. In this context, at our WALD Sultangazi Social Protection Desk; our mentoring work on “Psychological Strength and Well-Being”, which attracted great interest from refugees, immigrants and local people, was held on 11August, 2022. 

Especially with the increase of stress, anxiety, depression and social withdrawal seen in the society with the effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic, it has been observed that people experience mental problems and their well-being deteriorated during the pandemic. It has been determined that individuals tend to think negatively in depressive and anxious periods. In this context, the concept of “cognitive bias” in the field of psychology means that individuals systematically follow an illogical mindset while making decisions. 

Experts participating in the program as speakers informed the participants that they should not suppress the problems they experienced, and made suggestions about finding out what the problems are, their definitions and coping methods. Experts also dealt with the subject of “What Can Be Done Against Stress and Difficulties?” practically. At the end of the program; the participants experienced that they should get support from a specialist when they could not cope with the problems they experienced, and that they should behave with "self-compassion" towards themselves when this was not possible.

 World Humanitarian Aid Day

Within the framework of the "World Humanitarian Day", a social cohesion event was held on 19 August 2022 at the WALD Bağcılar Social Protection Desk with the participation of foreign and local beneficiaries to raise awareness. 

In the event, which was planned with the motto "One of the values ​​that makes people human, is to help", that everyone should help each other in order to create societal respect and love was emphasized to the children. During the event, children were informed about “Doing favors and being helpful, smiling at people, saying a nice word to others and all these mean kindness”.

One of the best ways to form a habit for doing favor, kindness and politeness is to make these behaviors sustainable. For that matter, following examples are relayed to the children: “Hold the door for someone! Help someone in need! Share your toy with other friends! Donate your old books to the library!”. It was emphasized that all these brought along a sense of responsibility.

In the second part of the event, a collage of “Helpfulness in the Basket” was made and after that, children were asked to write down their wishes for the favors that they want to come true and put them in the basket. At the end of the program, cardboard flowers were made and presented to the participants with the hope that their wishes would come true.