During the first semester, the 2nd edition of the UCP2 Mental Health Mental Health Literacy and Psychological First Aid Workshop Series took place, an initiative aimed at all students at the  Universidade Católica.  

More than 400 students from all campi – Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Viseu – participated in this edition, whose main objectives were to increase knowledge about mental health issues and problems, promote practical self-care and psychological first aid strategies, and encourage early identification of warning signs, encouraging timely help-seeking. 

The four workshops developed were designed based on the needs identified by the students. In addition to the topics already covered in the previous edition - Psychological First Aid for Panic Attacks and Performance Anxiety - two new topics were introduced: Academic Burnout and Positive Body Image.  

The sessions took place in person and online and took a practical and immersive approach, providing opportunities for dialogue, reflection and sharing on mental health in the context of higher education. 

The high level of involvement, interest and active participation of students demonstrates, once again, the importance of addressing mental health as a fundamental pillar for a university experience marked by well-being.  

Dulce Borralheira, a student at Católica, shares her experience, emphasising: "During the various workshops, I had the opportunity to learn breathing techniques, muscle relaxation, and ways to categorise the importance of tasks so as not to overwhelm myself".

The outcome of this 2nd Cycle of Workshops is clearly positive, confirming the success and relevance of the initiative. The results achieved reinforce its continuity and drive the preparation of the 3rd Cycle, to be launched next semester, also aimed at all Católica students.