Since 1992, April has been recognized as Stress Awareness Month, highlighting the importance of managing stress to promote both mental and physical health. In line with this commitment, UCP2 Mental Health has been dedicated to monitoring stress levels and preventing their escalation. 

In a study mapping students’ mental health, conducted during the 2025/2026 academic year with the participation of 2960 students, it was found that around 50% of participants showed clinical levels of stress. In the academic context, this reality is particularly significant, given the impact stress can have on academic success and students’ quality of life. 

In response to these findings, and with the aim of promoting effective stress management strategies, UCP2 Mental Health, in partnership with the Escola de Competências de Vida da Associação de Psicologia da Universidade do Minho is running the Pro•Stress Program. This initiative aims to equip students with the ability to identify stress factors, as well as provide practical tools for managing them in daily life. 

The first edition of the course took place in the first semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, and the second edition is currently underway. With this initiative, the goal is to help reduce the impact of stress on the student population and promote their overall well-being.