LINK #164
Januar y 15t h 2020
MENTAL HEALTH
Content K.A.NE. VOLUNTEERS & COLLABORATORS 4-9 QUOTE OF THE WEEK 10 - 11 “IT'S BETTER TO ENJOY...” GET TO KNOW US 12 - 16 THREE QUESTIONS FOR VOLUNTEERS QUOTE OF THE WEEK ARTHUR SCHNITZLER 17 HOW TO SAY? 18 - 19 “DON’T SHIFT SOMETHING...” MAIN ARTICLE I 20 - 25 MENTAL HEALTH: FROM A EVOLUTIONARY POINT OF VIEW MAIN ARTICLE II 26 - 31 FEELING BETTER, STITCH BY STITCH: CROCHET AND WELLBEING MAIN ARTICLE III 32 - 35 THE LOOK OF A DEPRESSIVE GENERATION COMPARING 38 - 42 WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH? MY PROJECT 46 - 48 DIFFERENCES: GREECE AND FRANCE MY SENDING ORGANISATION 50 - 52 PILAR IN THE DOG SHELTER INTERVIEW WITH AN ESC VOLUNTEER 54 - 57 SCI MADRID ART REVIEW 60 - 61 INTERVIEW WITH EMMA FROM FRANCE QUOTE OF THE WEEK 64 - 66 BLACK SWAN INTERVIEW WITH A LOCAL VOLUNTEER 68 - 71 INTERVIEW WITH LAURE FROM FRANCE PLACE TO TRAVEL 74 - 77 NAPLES RECIPES RECIPES FROM FRANCE 78
LINK
Editorial
V IKTOR EDITOR
TANIA
DESIGNER
fb.com/kane.kalamata
instagram.com/kanekalamata
info@ngokane.org www.ngokane.org www.kentroneon.wordpress.com +30 272 108 188 2 Salaminos 8 24100 Kalamata Greece
VOLUNTEERS A LBERT O Hello! My name is Alberto, I’m 22 and I’m from Murcia, a warm and beautiful city in southeastern Spain. I’m in Kalamata for 2 months and during my stay you’ll probably find me working in the dog shelter, walking by random places in the city with my camera, reading under any shaded bench or running, hiking and doing literally anything that involves movement.
ANNALISA Hello! I am Annalisa, I come from the wonderful city of Bologna (Northern Italy). I have an academic background in International Relations (European Affairs) and look forward to become a project developer in international cooperation, tackling social issues through the participation of civil society. I am spending a year in Kalamata, volunteering at the K.A.NE’s office, helping out with the design and management of youth mobility and social projects.
CLAIRE Hello, my name is Claire Madrigal and I am 22 years old. I am studying a Master 1 Social and Environmental in Montpellier, France. I come from the South of France so I have a very pronounced accent. I have already lived in Ireland for a year so my level of English is quite good. I came to Kalamata for the Lysos Garden project but also for other projects such as echitherapy and Dogshelter. I am a very smiling person and always happy !
C L A RA Hey, my name is Clara, I'm 18 and I'm from France, more specifically Lille. I wanted to go abroad to learn English, get out of school before resuming my studies and discovering new cultures. I am now a new volunteer at the Kalamata dog center for a period of 6 months.
DIOGO Hi! My name is Diogo Gonçalves, I’m 23 and I'm from Guimarães, it's a small city in the north of Portugal. I study Philosophy but right now I´m doing a GAP Year. I’m in Kalamata for two months volunteering at Kane Youth Center. I love to travel and get to know other cultures, and this opportunity to be so close to Greek life and its actors is a must. Along with philosophy, music, theater, sea and mountains, I am also passionate about associationism and non-formal education. If you want to find me i will be together with the locals trying to find out more about how the greeks live their lives and of course sharing what i know with them. 4
EMMA Hi, I’m Emma, I come from France and I’m nineteen years old. I’m in Greece for six month as volunteer to discover lot of things, as much as possible, to improve my English and why not to learn Greek. So I work in a horse therapic center.
KA S S A N DRA Hello! I am Kassandra and I come from Germany. I am eighteen years old and I’ve just finished school, so now I have time to experience something new and to travel. This is why I take part in the ESC in Kalamata for one year and I am pretty excited about it. I work in the Dog Rescue Center, because I love dogs and I want to support them.
LA URE I’m Laure and I come from Lille, in France. I'm a nurse and student of psychology. I’m interested in health, psychology and environmental fields. I’m in Kalamata for six months. I will work with people who have disabilities in garden farmer.
MA GDA L EN A Hi, my name is Magda, I come from Poland and will stay here in Kalamata until the end of January. I have a degree in Civil Engineering, but I didn’t like working in my profession, so now I’m switching to graphic design. And that’s what I will do here as a volunteer - help with all the design issues and create a consistent visual identification of K.A.NE. My idea of a time well spent is hiking, road tripping and checking out every cafetería in town.
MA RIA Hey! I’m Maria and I come from Lisbon, Portugal. I just finished my bachelor in Communication Design and after doing an erasmus semester in Athens, I knew I had to come back to Greece. So, I ended up here in Kalamata where I’m going to work with video. I also have a big interest in performance art and cinema and in my work I always mix these different backgrounds and interests. I’m only going to stay for two months, but I’m really excited to get to know the Peloponnese and to enjoy this beautiful city by the sea.
TA N I A Yuhu! My name is Tania. I come from a town in the northeast of Spain. I studied psychology, although now I don’t have in mind to dedicate myself to it. Honestly, now what I want is to know new places and live new adventures. My life plan is to live in as many different countries as I can. I will stay in Kalamata for a year and I’m volunteer in The Dog Shelter. I love the nature, sea, music, photography and enjoying the life.
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THAI S My name is Thaïs, I am nineteen years old, I come from Montpellier in the south of France and I do my service at the dog shelter. I like everything related to nature, including animals, but apart from that my interest is more in art, in all its forms. I practice more in painting and drawing, photography, music and dance, and so on. I like to use my hands and express my body, and I hope to be able to do all in my lifetime. But I'm mostly here for discoveries and new experiences.
VA L EN T I N Bonjour (hello in English). My name is Valentin and I am a student in France. I'm 21. I decided to go to Greece for several reasons, the first one being that I love this country, I regularly come to Greece during my holidays. I am also here for my studies, having some English gaps I come to perfect my English. Finally I hope to meet many people during my 4 months in Kalamata.
VIKT OR Čau, I am Viktor, a 20 years old dude from Czech Republic. I’ll stay here until August 2021 so I will be here for a one whole year. Actually I have just moved from my parents house and this is for the first time when I am living on my own. Most of my time I watch some TV shows or read good books. Looking forward to writing many amazing articles for you.
V I RA Доброго дня любі друзі! My name is Vira, I am 25 years old. Last year I gradua-
ted with a Master's degree of Marketing and International Communication from the University of Economics in Katowice. I always believed that if a person really wants to achieve something, there are no boundaries to get it. I think so, because 3 years ago, before I came to Poland, I had a surgery on the spine that changed my life. Volunteering is close to me because I believe that only by supporting each other, teaching, talking - we can succeed, improve our lives on this planet.
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COLLABORATORS FI L A R E T OS Hello, I am Filaretos Vourkos. For the last 15 years I am working in the field of Non-formal education as a volunteer, youth worker and youth trainer. 10 years ago, I decided to create the Youth Centre of Kalamata, in order to initiate youth work in Kalamata and promote active citizenship as factor for change.
JELEN A Hi, I’m Jelena Scepanovic, an EVS coordinator in K.A.NE. and a volunteer of the Youth center. I came from Montenegro in 2012 as an EVS volunteer. I really liked the idea of the youth center and the work that K.A.NE. does, so I decided to stay and be part of it.
NAN T I A N A Hello everyone! I am Nadiana, ESC & VET coordinator in K.A.NE over the last few years as well as Greek teacher. I am passionate in travelling around, meeting new people and organising festivals.
SPIR O S
ANNA
Hello, my name is Spiros Koutsogiannis and since the beginning of 2020 I am a project manager and responsible for the Research and Development department of KANE. I hold a degree in Civil Engineering and I have been working in the EU funded projects field since 2010, having implemented almost 65 projects.
Hi, I'm Anna Charalampous. I'm here to help with K.A.NE. social media, website and administration. I'm happy to be part of the team promoting youth work, education and volunteerism, both locally and globally.
NANC Y Hello World! I’m Nancy and I have been working in K.A.NE. since 2017 as a Project Manager and EVS/ESC coordinator. I’m passionate about meeting new people and exchanging knowledge, experiences and ideas. I love the fact that many young people visit every year my hometown Kalamata and contribute to our society. 9
Quote
of the week
“It's better to enjoy and regret than to regret not enjoying.�
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Author: KASSANDRA
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What do you think about th e stigma of me nt al health in our socie ties? ANNALISA I think we’ve made a lot of progress from - let’s say - 50 years ago, but the international medical community has accepted mental health as equally important as physical health much, much more than “average” people. I don’t know many people outside the medical field who would see giving medication to someone who suffers from a mental condition the same way as giving it to those who suffer from a physical one, and in Italy even something as simple as getting therapy is still quite an unusual topic among friends/relatives.
CLARA Stigma in mental health is recognized by many international studies as a major problem, generating unequal treatment. Mental health stigma, is a major obstacle to the development of adequate care programs, it is a vicious circle of social exclusion, discrimination, feelings of shame and loss of self-esteem. The concept of stigma refers to the devaluation of an individual's identity due to a socially unacceptable trait that differentiates them from individuals who consider themselves "normal". To me, no person is normal, we are all unique.
CLAIRE I think that today mental health became much more important than in the past. For example, it is recognized as a real illness to be depressed at work, before nobody paid attention to it. However, mental health deteriorates more rapidly because of the influence of social networks and social pressure.
EMMA I think now people are starting to accept people's differences better, and a lot is being done to help people instead of categorizing them and banning them from society. KASSANDRA It‘s very sad that we still have the feeling that we should be ashamed because of any mental illness even though a mental illness is just an illness, just as a physical one. I hope one day every one can speak freely about these problems. 12
VALENTIN Even today, people living with mental health problems are still the target of prejudice and discrimination, preventing them from living full and satisfying lives. VIKTOR The stigma stems from the negative prejudices and myths that are associated with mental illness. Although there may be someone around us who is being treated for mental health problems, we may not know about it at all, because mental illness is often not seen. But sometimes it can cause a person to behave unusually, unexpectedly, or incomprehensibly to us. In such a case, it may happen that we start to take him differently from others, we start to treat him differently or we start to side with him, even though we may not even be aware of it.
LAURE I can notice with my job that for lots of people mental health is still taboo. I have an impression that usually people are afraid of the psychiatric field. But, I notice that in lots of countries, things change about perceptions about psychiatry. More and more people fear consulting their condition with a psychologist or psychiatrist. PILAR
VIRA
Nowadays, the stigma is still very present in any society, but we become closer to mental health awareness and we are into the right track to debunk the stigma. But there is a lot of work to be done. Public health has been defunding worldwide over the last ten years, and that is especially noticeable in an already unimproved area as mental health. Access to mental health resources is denied to this very day to most of the population due to economic, political or sociocultural factors. An improvement has been made in anxiety and depressiĂłn awareness in the last years, and little by little also in other mental illnesses such as esquizofrenia, personality disorders etc. Nevertheless, suicide remains forgotten and unspoken as the biggest taboo in our society. I hope that for the next decade to come we can grow as a society an adress suicide openly as well as the role of gender, poverty, race, ethinicity, sexual orientation etc in the aproach of mental health.
Mental health is critical to our collective and individual ability as sentient beings to think, show emotion, communicate with each other, earn our living and enjoy life. Given this fact, promoting, protecting and restoring mental health can be perceived by individuals, communities and communities around the world as being of vital importance.
TANIA For me it’s very sad when someone has mental health problems they have to deal with pressure, shame or discomfort that they think or how they react around them. It’s hard enough to deal with the problems caused by the illness itself, to add more problems. A sample of how stupid we humans are. 13
Ho w d o yo u n o t ice , in g e n e r a l, wh e n yo u r m e n t al h e alt h is d e t e r io r a t in g ?
ANNALISA There are some patterns I’ve learned to recognize: for example, I isolate myself, I eat much less or more than usual, I can’t concentrate on anything and I get very frustrated on the most insignificant things.
PILAR I tend to notice it quite late, my mood gets worse slowly, usually triggered by serious problems that I mistake to recognize as annoying daily little things. It starts with eating less, staying more at home, not replying texts or calls and it ends into complete isolation and not caring about myself. That's why it is important to be aware of your state and environment situation, as well as to focus to save some time everyday to treat yourself!
CLAIRE I notice it when I start to get eczema or sleep badly at night. I can also gain weight. CLARA I think that there are several symptoms which for their appearance, the change of mood, the deteriorating appetite, the lack of communication...
TANIA I notice it when negativity dominates me. Attitudes that I don't like from others bother me excessively. I feel irritable and with negative thoughts inside my head.
EMMA When I feel that my mental health is getting worse, I am constantly thinking, in my bubble and I feel the need to be surrounded by my friends and my family and especially to get out of my routine.
VALENTIN When our mental health deteriorates, our mood changes, it becomes more difficult to communicate with others and pushes us to do things that are not good for us.
KASSANDRA I notice my mental health is getting worse when I start isolating myself. Normally, I am an active person who likes to go out and be with other people but when I am in a bad mental condition, I don’t go out, don’t want to see people and eat a lot of sweets.
VIKTOR When my mental health is getting worse I start to communicate with people. Because other people talking make me focus on them and not on me so I want to get away with this. VIRA
LAURE
I feel very bad when I do not sleep well or if I am disturbed, then I feel sleepy all day. My condition is getting worse when people around me begin to behave inappropriately.
I’m more tired and lazy. I feel more stressed and I’m more nervous. Also, I eat lots of fat food, mostly chocolate. 14
What helps your mental health?
ANNALISA Talking to people (individually) about my and their problems, taking walks and getting some fresh air, writing, crocheting, spending time with dogs (or any other sociable animals).
CLAIRE Seeing my friends, spending time with my family, playing tennis and eating sugar. EMMA CLARA
Feeling good about myself with my friends and my family, eliminating all forms of stress, doing things that don't remind me of anything other than the present moment and especially getting out of my routine!
Changing my lifestyle, my priorities, my entourage.
KASSANDRA It helps me to speak to people I really trust or just to force me to go outside because then I see the beautiful nature and I get new energy and to meet my friends because after this I feel good, my problem might be still there but I feel understood and have maybe new perspectives.
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TANIA Do activities in nature, swim in the sea, have a good time with my friends and listen to good music. And here in Kalamata, definitely to spend time with my dogs from my project. VALENTIN To help my mental health, I do sports, chat with friends, do some DIY at home. VIKTOR When I am depressed I remember the time Bear Grylls was stung by a bee and morphed into Benedict Cumberbatch and I find that that helps a lot.
LAURE Talking to my friends or people around me, Sharing my feelings and emotions with these people, Listening to lots of music, Sporting, Taking time just for me and relaxing, being near Nature. PILAR Psychotherapy plays a vital role in my mental health, it provides a safe space in which you can connect with your feelings and emotions and experience them fully. And also, it teaches you how to create this space by yourself. I believe that the more aware you are of your inner self and your emotions the closer you will be to mental equilibrium. As for me, to lose myself walking through nature, reading books, listening to music or drawing these things help me to achieve that. But I would say what improves my mental health better is talking and sharing with a friend.
VIRA 1. Sports, yoga with Kassi =) 2. Sleep schedule. 3. Reading books about economics. 4. Walking. 5. Delicious and healthy food from the sexy boy in the bakery. 6. A minimum of communication with inadequate people. 7. Communication with positive people. 8. Learning new things. 9. Travel. Mountains and sea is the best doctor. 10. Theater. 11. Implementation of plans. 12. Massage by kassi too. 13. Swimming.in the cold sea in january with Kassi. 16
Author: KASSANDRA
“In the end, what counts is only what we have done and lived, and not what we longed for.” Arthur Schnitzler 17
HOW TO SAY?
“Don ’t sh ift someth in g t o t o mo
Ne re p o r t e z p a s à d e ma in c e q u e vous p o u v e z f a ire a u jourd‘hui.
Ni e o d k ł a d a j n a j u tro t e g o , c o ma s z z ro b i ć d z i ś.
Μην αφήνετε για αύριο αυτό που μπορείτε να κάνετε σήμερα.
Co mů ž e š u d ě l a t d n e s , n e o d k l á d e j n a z ít ř e k .
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o r row w h a t you can do t o d ay.”
Wa s du heute kannst b eso rg e n, v e rs chiebe nicht auf m org en.
N o n rima ndar e a dom ani q u e l che puoi far e oggi.
N o de je s pa r a m añ ana lo q ue pue des hacer hoy.
Não de ixe pa r a am anhã o q u e voc ê pode faz er hoje .
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Author: KASSANDRA
MENTAL HEALTH
FROM A EVOLUTIONARY POINT OF VIEW
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I love things I can’t understand.
tween all of them which is kind of special,
They are for me a challenge, a rid-
the one I'm always thinking about, or, more literally, the one I'm always thinking with: my
dle, a place where I can grow, the-
mind. It’s the initial point, the basis of every-
orize, ramble and go further and
thing, my connection to the world, the only re-
further, unleashing logic and ima-
ality I know. It’s me, but at the same point it’s
gination. The things I already know
not. She’s the one who is writing these words,
and understand are not that fun.
and she’s admitting she’s not smart and de-
A world full of universal truths, in
veloped enough to understand itself. Why am
which absolutely everything is pro-
I referring to her in third person? We’re su-
ven with its scientific basis, would
pposed to be the same thing! Or maybe not.
undoubtedly be much more boring. As I conceive things, we, the humans, are animals, one more species among all those that
There are lots of things I can’t understand,
inhabit the earth. The evolutionary process
more than I can conceive and process, actu-
has led us through different paths, depending
ally I can’t understand how there are that many
on the randomness and the environment in
things I can’t understand. But there’s one be-
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Author: ALBERTO
which we moved, with the unique and exclusive objective of surviving. Through genetic mutations, each species has been experimenting small, very small changes, throughout millions of years. If these changes meant an improvement for the species, they would sur-
But how the hell can we explain consciousness just basing on chemistry? How can that place exist in our head, that place
vive, reproduce, and these changes would
that differentiates us from other
pass through the genome to its offspring. But
species? How can a particular
at some point in this process something extraordinary happened. We, the humans, have
combination of atoms be wri-
developed what we call consciousness. The
ting these words, be aware that
brain, as everything, is just a set of atoms. And, like the brain of all animals, its working is pure
it is writing them, and how the
chemistry. Very, very, very complex chemis-
hell that combination of atoms
try, but chemistry in the end. And it is relatively
asks itself how it’s writing this?
easy to understand all the instinctive behavior that animals have and that, therefore, we have, thanks to chemistry. Secretions of substances,
The point I want to reach (this was originally
searching for those that give us pleasure, avoi-
thought as an introduction but now seems the
ding those that give us unpleasant sensations.
whole article) is that this capacity, this place in 22
our heads is too complex, strange and extra-
have to go with the flow and they'll be fine.
ordinary for us to understand it and, of cou-
But, fortunately or not, that doesn’t work for us.
rse, for us to manipulate it as we want. No-one knows how this has happened and how
We have the ability of realizing things. We
it really works but the reality is that now we
can be aware of what we feel, of what we
have to deal with this extremely complex mind
do, of our instincts, of our sensations. But
that the other species don’t have to. I guess
we don’t have the power to change it in a
it would be easier to be a crocodile, a zebra
direct way. Somehow, we are passive spec-
or a whale. Their behaviour is based on ins-
tators of our emotions, because we cannot
tincts, they act just according to their sensa-
decide not to feel anger, joy or anxiety. Tho-
tions. If a rabbit is hungry, he just eats. He
se sensations just come involuntarily, we
would never think “I’ve eaten too much today,
are simple receptors. And that leaves us in
maybe I should control myself so I don’t get
a delicate, dangerous, vulnerable situation.
fat” or “an influencer told me that this grass is not very healthy so I should resist and walk 18 km to that zone where the grass is cultiva-
But in this higher state where we are, com-
ted without pesticides”. Evolution has already
pared to the rest of species, we also have a
made sure that the rabbit's instincts will make
relatively free will, we can make decisions.
it survive. And if, due to some error or mutation
Decisions with the outside world, not with the
that is not the case, that individual will proba-
world we have inside ourselves. However, of
bly die before having offspring. So rabbits just
course, these decisions can indirectly affect
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those feelings, sensations and thoughts we aren’t supposed to change directly. So, in a certain way, we have a choice to change our mental state, the emotions we feel. But the fact that it is indirect makes this relative freedom very difficult to handle. Because there are thousands of stimuli and influences that take control of our decisions without us noticing. Decisions that then do not generate positive feelings in us, that disrupt our mental health.
So, from my experience, I think it is very important to analyze ourselves consciously, to see what decisions and actions generate what feelings and sensations inside us. And then use that knowledge to act accordingly, consciously, because if we leave the autopilot on we may not really be the ones making the decisions, and therefore we may not be thinking of ourselves in the process.
It's just a matter of preferences, of consciously putting oursel-
ves and our mental health in the spotlight. Because although it is a difficult process, I believe that we can change the emotions we feel and have a relatively stable mental health. I think it’s possible to use this strange evolutionary oddity that has happened to us to our advantage. 24
Like everything, maybe for some people it is easier than for others, but I think that controlling our emotions is not something unreachable or utopian.
It's just a matter of, how it was written in the Greek temple of the Delphic oracle, 'know thyself'. And then, I would add, ‘and act accordingly’. . 25
FEELING BETTER, STITCH BY STITCH:
CROCHET AND WELLBEING 26
It’s been almost a year now: I’ve
ting amigurumi very long, as I was saying.
been crocheting amigurumis (stuffed toys) in all sorts of colours, sizes and shapes, mainly for friends and family. It’s definitely become my favourite occupation while travelling (I never thought anything could surpass reading, but there it is), and it is something I would gladly do whenever I’m sitting somewhere, alone or – better – while chatting with other people.
Well, to put things in order, it started completely randomly: I was volunteering at a Peruvian NGO in Lima and one day a colleague of mine brought some stuffed dolls she had made to the office (mainly princesses, but also other popular characters, including a wonderful Little Prince – fox, rose and everything, and an irresistible Mafalda). At the office, we were all working – in different capacities – on a project targeting artisans that was in its third, final year of implementation, and the direc-
It has become very natural to me, but I know
tor decided to hold a crochet workshop on
perfectly well that someone in their 20s sit-
a Saturday morning. I was supposed to give
ting in a bar crocheting will not go unnoticed.
a hand with the workshop logistics, but I en-
When they see you crocheting, most people
ded up sitting at the table trying to make a
need to make some sort of a comment about
snowman that turned out pretty deformed (it
it, or at very least stare at what you are doing
took 3 attempts to make it round enough). The
for a good couple of minutes. Do I mind?
result wasn’t promising, but I fell in love with
No, I do the same every time I meet a cro-
the process. The following week, I had bou-
cheter. I can understand this type of curiosi-
ght 6 skeins of cotton, and a few weeks la-
ty perfectly well, I have felt it for as long as
ter I had made a blue hippo, then a giraffe,
I can remember. And I haven’t been croche-
a black sheep, a black cat, a hot pink punk
Author: ANNALISA
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zebra... By now, I have lost count (as it turns
whole “online” dimension of this craft, but I do
out, it’s not an expensive business, and you
think there’s nothing like sitting around a table
don’t need to learn a lot of techniques to cro-
and chatting about anything while crocheting,
chet an amigurumi, just a few basic stitches).
especially among strangers. Often, the conversation revolves around crochet itself, but in a couple of minutes it can take any turn: fa-
Is crochet trendy? I wouldn’t say so, I’m pret-
mily, holiday plans, incompetent politicians…
ty sure everyone pictures an old lady all hun-
anything! It’s a very natural way of getting to
ched over sitting in an armchair, I don’t know
know someone, just starting from a common
if you can make that look sexy. And no, it’s not
interest and then simply building on it. As for
something that would have fallen into my book
personal contemplation, crocheting makes it
of “useful activities to keep on doing should
very easy to build your own cozy bubble and
the world come to an end”. But, as the who-
unplug from whatever it is you need to keep
le COVID 2019 emergency came down on us
out for a while (it can be physical pain, ne-
all the past spring, a whole new world ope-
gative thoughts or just the undistinguishable
ned up for me, one in which crocheting had
background noise that is the soundtrack of
a very important place. The thing is, I started
our societies): it all begins with the basic re-
crocheting for fun, and during the full lock-
petitive movements and counting it requires.
down I realised its therapeutic power. Honestly, I would say it kept me sane during those
It boosts one’s sense of purpose. One very
crazy months. So, I decided to do my research, and give a brief overview of its benefits on our Link Mental Health Special Issue. Of course, it would be under the umbrella of “occupational therapy”. Here they are:
It is, at the same time, an effective means to socialisation and personal contemplation. Of course, if you do it by yourself, the “socialisation” part is not so obvious, but multiple studies have focused on online knitting and crocheting communities with amazing results. Personally, I’d say that I haven’t fully explored the 28
basic truth of being a human is that we take
It helps concentrating. Crochet is about patien-
satisfaction and pride in giving shape to so-
ce, mathematics and creativity. In this order, as
mething concrete, tactile, be it through pre-
far as I am concerned. It’s a rhythmic, regular
paring a meal, cultivating a garden or making
activity that requires engaging body and mind
any kind of craft. Crocheting allows you to
together in working stitches and following pat-
transform a thread into so many different ob-
terns, and the priorities are precision and sym-
jects, and then to share it with someone, as an
metry. Not immediateness, not speed. Speed
expression of affection, friendship, as an act
comes with practice, but crocheting in a fran-
of philanthropy, as a sign of personal identity.
tic way doesn’t serve anyone: the process
The power of this shouldn’t be underestimated
won’t be enjoyable and the result won’t be ple-
in a world dominated by images and industrial
asant. Some patterns are very simple, others
production processes. There’s something uni-
are incredibly complex: what they all have in
que in giving something you made to someo-
common is that if you miss one stitch in round
ne else. Because there’s so much personal in-
three and you are working round fifteen, you
volvement in that object, from the very idea to
will have to undo and rework every stitch that
each stitch, it brings the interaction to a whole
followed that little one (and yes, this happens
new level. In a way, when you hold a croche-
quite a lot, even to experienced crocheters).
ted object you are physically appreciating so-
So, crochet is not love at first sight for people
meone’s time and effort: if something like this
who don’t take satisfaction in repetition, regu-
doesn’t look like connectedness and sense
larity and constant readjustment, activities that
of accomplishment, I don’t know what does.
will keep your mind and hands active for se29
veral hours. If you are crocheting just because
every single object you make is 100% unique.
you want to hold the finished product in your
As one can imagine, there’s science behind
hand, your interest for crochet probably won’t
all these considerations, and although I won’t
last one whole afternoon. At the same time,
pretend I fully understand any of it, I do see
I do think that impatient and anxious people
that an activity that engages our brains and
are those who would benefit the most from this
bodies the way crochet and knitting do can
activity (I have always believed that there’s
stimulate a soothing effect, which of cour-
more value in engaging in activities that don’t
se can be explained in physiological terms:
come naturally to us, it makes us grow more):
apparently, it’s called “relaxation response”,
it might be frustrating at first, but the general
entailing a fall in the heart rate and blood pres-
serene and calm atmosphere it creates won’t
sure, breathing slowing down and a drop in
do any damage, and you also might discover
the levels of stress hormones (among other
something you didn’t know about yourself.
things, it releases serotonin, a natural anti-depressant and pain-reliever). Of course, these
It fosters creative thinking. In the neverending
benefits are aside from the basic processes
competition between crocheting and knitting,
crocheting and knitting foster - in terms of mo-
I’d say without a shadow of a doubt that cro-
tor skills and consequently stimulation of brain
chet allows you to be far more creative than
cells development (so, cognitive functioning).
knitting. And, of course - since I’m occupying myself with stuffed toys - much depends on
Down to practice, crochet and knit-
how daring you intend to be. I know some pe-
ting have been used as occupational
ople find comfort in just following a pattern the
therapy for people struggling with
way it’s given by the designer, while others
depression, anxiety, eating disor-
like to make variations: sometimes it’s just the
ders, as well as for family members
colours, other times it’s the shape of a piece,
and staff caring for patients on on-
and then there are days when you just feel like
cology floors and in pain clinics. They
creating something on your own, start to finish
have also been identified by the in-
(those kind of projects take the longest, but
ternational scientific community as
they also give the strongest sense of accom-
activities which help prevent mild
plishment). In crochet, it’s very easy to experiment with shapes, add details or combine a
cognitive impairment, and they have
piece of a toy with one of another (a classic
been used in schools as preparatory
is changing ears or hands or clothing). For
activities for children before star-
me, it’s like an invitation to try and see what
ting to learn how to read and write.
comes out of it, and it’s also ensuring that 30
All in all, yes, crochet is old fashioned, there’s no way of making it sexy and young people might still freak out at the idea of spending hours and hours sitting and working on a stuffed toy. But it is one of those old-fashioned things that can keep us grounded and able to respond to some of the most basic human needs: managing stress, pain, grief, imagining and creating something new. Whether you are male or female, young, middle-aged or old, I would suggest giving it a chance.
31
THE LOOK OF A
DEPRESSIVE GENERATION
32
The burden of a problem that has always existed.
Only now are we talking about this. Only now is it normal to say that we are seen by a psychologist because we are experiencing a less
(this subject being so delicate, this opinion
good phase. Only now do we discuss this as
article is the result of exhaustive and ca-
something serious and worrying that in its
reful research, but it should never be put
magnitude leads to suicide as it takes more
before the references of the health autho-
people and more and more and more young.
rities).
Is this sudden increase in youth suicide and in cases of depression the cause of a genera-
Health is a state of complete physical,
tion lost in itself? Or is it the other way around?
mental, and social wellbeing, and not
Will this generation, which in its definition is
merely the absence of disease or infir-
the always-connected-generation, answer to
mity.
this problem due to its incredible social openness? This generation that increasingly knocks on the door of social networks to ask for
Depression is the disease of the 21st century
mental help? Or is this the cause in itself?
because a lack of mental health is a disease. Although we know that man has always lived on issues and events that have damaged
But where does depression come from? Whe-
his mental health, we are only now taking this
re can we catch a lack of mental health? The
matter seriously.
answer was always ahead of us, ignoring what
Author: DIOGO
33
we feel and choosing not to "throw out" what
performance, relationship problems, sadness,
we have in mind. It is very common for us to
thoughts of suicide, worry and trouble sleeping.
hear the old excuse of stress when we try to
If we’re dealing with a stressful situation in your
understand what is going on with someone
life, we should try self-help measures, such as
who looks a little down. It can lead to some-
talking things over with caring family or friends,
thing more serious when neglected. Stress is
practising yoga or meditation, getting regular
a normal psychological and physical reaction
exercise, avoiding alcohol and drugs, and cut-
to positive or negative situations in your life,
ting back on your to-do list. If these techniques
such as a new job or the death of a loved one.
don't help and you feel like you're still having a
Stress itself isn't bad. What's important is how
hard time coping, talk to your doctor.
you deal with it. This is the result that a problem overlooked by When you have trouble adjusting to a stressful
a society that knows everything. It is with this
change and you find it difficult to go about your
native generation of the web that the problem
daily routine for more than just a brief period,
of mental health increases, among young peo-
you may have developed an adjustment disor-
ple the second leading cause of death is suici-
der. An adjustment disorder is a type of stress-
de. Is this connected?
-related mental illness that can affect your feelings, thoughts and behaviours.
Are we living far from our most human needs because we are enchan-
Signs and symptoms of an adjustment disor-
ted by a luminous screen?
der can include, anxiety, poor school or work 34
What’s wrong?
assumptions than there are certainties. I like to talk about mental health, and I made it the sub-
Why are we getting more and more distant
ject on the table in this issue of LINK magazine.
from other generations, like our grandparents
But it is not easy. It is not easy to approach a
or primary children? What is this distancing un-
topic that is based on our mind and the way it
derlined by social canons and artificial algori-
works. We have tried to understand it for a long
thms doing for our mental health? When was
time but for even more, we have tried to ignore
the last time you hugged an old man and heard
it.
his wise advice? When was the last time you heard a child laugh out loud while playing "imagining" with him?
Let's try to take a step back in our frantic evolution, let's breathe and go back to doing things as they are, natural, without addictions. And in
Why do we become more and more inhuman
the meantime, we will look after ourselves, we
and renounce to ourselves what is most nee-
will do our yoga, our physical exercise, we will
ded? Socialize? Truly socialize! With real pe-
eat well, socialize as much as possible, work
ople, from all age groups, cultures and ba-
efficiently, rest well and talk about what we feel.
ckgrounds. because we continue to cheat ourselves with photos and likes when what we need is a hug and a smile back. I know that
Mental health and depression are a huge pro-
we live in troubled, dangerous and scary ti-
blem with suicide as the last materialization. Let
mes. the pandemic at the door does nothing to
us all be attentive, be good to everyone around
make these social contacts possible. But what
us. We will not judge but just help. We will lend
was our excuse before all this? And when is
a hand to those in need and we will not let the
all this over? Will we finally evolve? I am sor-
end of what is a depression be fulfilled. May the
ry if the reader thought he would find answers
end of depression be life!
here, as there are many more questions and
35
36
Author: MAGDALENA
37
WHAT IS MENTAL HEALTH?
38
Broccoli, pedometer, a selfie from
The golden age of kalokagatia - the harmonious union of physical beauty and spiritual
the fitness club. And don't forget
perfection - is long gone. Health has become
about sneakers from the latest
associated only with physiological processes.
line of favorite Balenciaga. He-
Therefore, modern generations tend to neglect
alth is when nothing hurts, sleep
mental problems. It probably seems to them that going to a specialist indicates the inabili-
lasts eight to ten hours according
ty to deal with "internal demons" on their own.
to all the standards of the OBZH
Otherwise, what will people think? "Weak!"
textbook, and the love for Haribo bears does not affect the iron
The World Health Organization (WHO)
cubes of the press in any way.
offers the following definition: "Health
What are the essential attributes of a healthy person?
and social well-being."
is a state of complete physical, mental
Accordingly, mental health is an integral part of it, which can be defined in at least three ways:
39
1. Absence of disease; 2. The state of the organism that allows it to fully perform all its functions; 3. The state of balance within oneself, as well as between oneself and
and to develop relations with them, to be open to learning and development. In a word, mental health gives a person a sense of (self) value and (self) control, as well as contributes to the formation of "I" in all its manifestations and in various interpersonal relationships.
the physical and social environment.
Basic principles of psychohygiene
If the top three of these cards are formed into a
Psychohygiene is a matter of borders and values.
full-fledged set, a person can effectively cope
It is worth knowing yourself and your surroundin-
with stressful situations, work productively and
gs, understanding the laws of ecology, unders-
productively, without forgetting to contribute to
tanding who the "vampires" and toxic leaders
public life. And also - to perform certain so-
are (who constantly say that we are "worthless",
cial roles, to understand and manage one's
"incompetent", although in fact these allegations
own emotional state, to be aware (!) Of others
are unmotivated). It is necessary to know the 40
psychological features, to support them and
in the morning, listen to good music, pay at-
to defend. Consistency with the values of the
tention to your own hobby, read a book or go
times is also an element of mental health. A
to nature, and so on. Any business that brin-
simple example: half a century ago it was con-
gs joy and satisfaction and helps to recover is
sidered a pathology if a 20-year-old girl was
suitable. For example, you can get more health
unmarried and had no children. Today, young
by taking a contrast shower, but a hot shower
people have priority in self-development and
is more suitable for this particular person; or
realization of professional ambitions, travel the
someone is better off following a light diet, and
world and gaining unique social experience.
someone will feel bad if they do not eat well.
And in order to be mentally healthy, you need
You should not adapt to the brands of society.
to be able to defend your own values, and not listen to your grandmothers with accusations:
It is equally important to take care of your phy-
"Are you already 20? Get married! ” The an-
siology. For example, hormonal balance can-
cient idea of "self-care" comes to mind, which is
not be restored by purely psychological prac-
the primary emphasis on their own needs and
tices. It is important, in particular, to adhere
comfort.
to a sleep regime in order to have a good rest and get the appropriate dose of serotonin and melatonin.
Mental well-being does not require much: to be alone with yourself, drink your favorite coffee Author: VIRA
41
There is also a big gap in family psychotherapy. Mostly people seek help when the family is about to fall apart. The expert advises to do this before marriage, by analogy with the usual medical examination, when the doctor must determine the rhesus factor in both partners. This allows you to predict rhesus conflict and possible risks with the birth of children. A similar procedure can be performed with the psychological compatibility of the future spouse.
When people grew up in completely different regions, different families, are guided by different values, and, starting to live together, do not agree, they have little chance to live. A typical conflict: one partner is a believer and the other is an atheist. Difficulties will arise both in communication with relatives and in spending the weekend. However, a few consultations with a family psychologist will help to develop common rules and understand how to negotiate correctly.
42
43
44
45
DIFFERENCES: GREECE AND FRANCE
I wouldn't necessarily have thought of Greece as an expatriation country, but when the opportunity presented itself to me, I told myself that it could be a good choice, because the country is different enough from France to be a change of scenery, but I stay in Europe so the adaptation is easy.
46
Author: CLAIRE
Since my arrival, I have noticed the dif-
One difference I may take a while to get
ferences in the daily life of the two cou-
used to is the meal times. Indeed, here
ntries, here is a short (non-exhaustive)
people only have lunch around 3-4pm,
list.
and then dinner around 9pm or even much later. Also my official working
In Greece it is common to give your
hours are 8h-15h, without lunch bre-
children the first name of your father or
ak. However, the advantage of working
mother and there are many homonyms.
for a French structure is that the ma-
To differentiate all this little world, when
nagers know that around 12-12:30 pm
you register somewhere, be it at the
the French stomachs ask for food, and
tax office, to open an electricity meter or an internet line, or even to subscribe to a loyalty card for your supermarket, you are asked to give your father's first name. Unlike us, however, Greeks have only one first name. They therefore found the three first names on my identity papers very surprising, and I had to sign several times with these three first names. 47
it is allowed to take a lunch break. The
in Southeast Asia: no helmet on the dri-
good side of the late dinner is that you
ver's head, nor on that of his passen-
can go to a restaurant at 11:30 pm, they
ger. Or his passengers if there are three
won't tell you that the kitchen is closed.
of them on the machine!
In Greece as in France it is forbidden
Finally to conclude this list of differen-
to smoke in cafes and restaurants, the
ces I have noticed so far, I will add the
signs are everywhere. Except that in
best habit that restaurants have of of-
Greece nobody cares about it.
fering fruit and/or a portion of Greek yogurt with small candied grapes. It's
Another point in common with France
good and if it's free...
in theory, but which differs in practice: wearing a helmet on two wheels. When I see motorcycle or scooter drivers I sometimes have the impression I'm back
48
49
MY PROJECT
My name is Pilar Gago Lastra, I’m 25 and I’m currently living with my parents and sister in Meco, a little town in the outskirts of Madrid, Spain. Due to coronavirus my daily life severely changed, even though the whole situation this year has been harsh, It made me focused more on what is important for me and in which direction I would like to consider and give my energy and time. 50
Author: PILAR
One of the many things that I learnt from
everyday occurrence.Thousands of stray dogs
my previous volunteering experience is
die of heat exposure and thirst in the summer
that I want to aid animals who are in need;
and in the winter freeze to death with no warm-
helping
th, shelter or food. Worse still many stray dogs
through their rehabilitation and
fall victim to a slow death by poisoning in an
reintroduction to wilderness, improve their
attempt for some Greek villages to control the
quality of life and promote responsible
number of strays. And then is when Katerina
adoptions and animal welfare. I believe that
and Julie decided to create Dash to save and
Medianeras “Dog rescue center� project is
provide these dogs the life they deserved.
a great opportunity to head towards this goal and to keep learning from different name of the project Le Sol - Learning Through Solidarity
associations and points of view, and with my skills and determination I hope to make a
place of the project K.A.NE. office
good contribution to this project as well. About the project
address Salaminos 8, Kalamata
The number of stray dogs on the streets of Greece runs into millions. Due to the Greek eco-
website www.ngokane.org
nomy, and the recently Coronavirus pandemic, many citizens have found it necessary to aban-
email info@ngokane.org
doned family pets due to the cost of feeding them.Today, these once family pets have bread
instagram & facebook facebook.com/kane.kalamata instagram.com/kanekalamata
and millions of stray dogs now live difficult and unhappy lives on the streets. Starvation, disease and abuse of stray dogs in Greece are an 51
“DASH stands for ‘Dream of a Safe Haven’, it’s
About my experiencie
our sole mission to provide a safe haven for the
I’m really glad to be able to volunteer in this pro-
many hundreds of homeless, starving and abu-
ject, I’m learning a lot both from the people and
sed dogs that could die without our help and
dogs. It could be overwhelming sometimes, the
refuge.”
situation is critical: there are a lot of dogs to take care of and few resources, worsened by the coronavirus situation. The national lockdown
I have the chance to join this hardworking team
makes it harder, mostly related to transportation
in December, thanks to the “Dog Rescue Cen-
and movements restrictions, but at least we still
ter'' short-term volunteering from Medianeras
can go and work at the dog shelter, there is no
program. Currently I'm working with the DASH
time to waste and so much to do!I can't describe
staff as well as with local, international and EVS
with words how I feel when you give affection
volunteers at the dog shelter, who are extremely
and care to a dog in need and she/he returns
kindhearted and tenacious. We usually work in
it even greater! I hope I can give as much as
the morning, cleaning the shelter and looking
these dogs bring joy and hope to me.
after the facilities,feeding the dogs and taking responsibility for their hygiene, taking the dogs for a walk and so on. A big role of this volunteer is to improve the socialization of the dogs, which we try to work on everyday.In resume, lot of pets and wagging tails! Our work aims to the recovery and the responsible adoptions of our furry friends, it could be hard to say goodbye but as it said:’There is no happier dog than the one who has a home.’
52
53
MY SENDING ORGANISATION
SCI MADRID 54
Author: PILAR
SCI Madrid is a member of the Service Civil
and a statement for social change, whilst never
International since 1987. SCI’s mission is to
competing with paid labour nor seeking to con-
promote a culture of peace and international
tribute to strike-breaking.
solidarity based on social justice and sus• Non-Violence: as a principle and a method.
tainable development, by organising international volunteering projects with local and
• Human Rights: respect for individuals as sta-
global impact.
ted in the Universal Declaration of Human RiThrough intercultural volunteering, aspires to promote mutual understanding, cultural name of the organisation SCI Madrid
exchange, and cooperation between people of different nationalities, beliefs, race, sex, or condition, to demostrate that working
address Leganitos, 35, 5ºB 28013,Madrid,España
with people from other cultures or characteristics fosters curiosity and breaks down
website https://ongsci.org
stereotypes.
email oficina@ongsci.org
Values
facebook facebook.com/SCIMadrid.org
• Volunteering: in the sense of acting out of self-initiative, without seeking material reward
instagram instagram.com/scimadrid
and for the benefit of civil society, as a method 55
• Solidarity: international solidarity for a more
5,000 volunteers from around the world. SCI
just world and solidarity between human bein-
Madrid offers a very affordable price, since it
gs.
only costs €130, which includes accommodation and food, as well as international volunteer insurance.
• Respect for the Environment: and the ecosystem of which we are a part and on which we
SCI Madrid offers international volunteering
depend.
with expenses paid, through the Erasmus+ In• Inclusion: to be open and inclusive to all in-
ternational Seminars and Training, within the
dividuals who share the aims and objectives of
framework of the European Union’s Youth in Ac-
the movement, without regard to gender, co-
tion programs. Likewise, SCI Madrid is an ac-
lour, religion, nationality, social status or poli-
credited entity for both sending and receiving
tical views and any other possible grounds for
volunteers from the European Solidarity Corps
discrimination.
program, ESC.
• Empowerment: providing people with means
They also carry out local volunteer projects in
(knowledge, tools) to understand and act in or-
the community of Madrid that aim to improve the
der to transform the social, cultural and econo-
society around us. Volunteer projects in Madrid
mic structures that affect their lives at all levels.
begin with the initiative of volunteers who, after their experiences in international volunteering,
• Cooperation: with local communities as well
were inspired to change the reality at home too
as other local, national and international actors
and proposed local volunteer groups with the
to strengthen the positive potential within civil
motto “Think Global, act local”. SCI Madrid has
society as a whole.
been implementing volunteer actions in Madrid for more than 15 years through the 6 volunteer groups that we have.
International volunteering and local volunteering
History SCI offers short-term international volunteer opportunities called workcamps, in collabo-
SCI history begins in 1920, when the Swiss
ration with local groups and initiatives. Every
humanist Pierre Ceresole (1879-1945) organi-
year they have more than 1,200 volunteer
zes the first international volunteer camp. After
camps spread across five continents, and they
World War I, Ceresole founded SCI as a pacifist
facilitate the annual participation of more than
response to the horror of war. Its objective was 56
to gain the right to conscientious objection and ghts. to create of civil and international service as an alternative to the military. The first SCI activity will take place in 1920 in France, where a group of volunteers from countries previously confronted by the war come together to rebuild a small town near Verdun. In Spain Sci had a great impact during the Spanish Civil War( 1936-1939); SCI distributed food, clothing and medicine to the Spanish people. Thousands of civilians were evacuated to safe areas and canteens for children, the elderly, nursing mothers and pregnant women were created. After the conflict, the humanitarian mission continues on
and understanding among peoples. SCI Ma-
French territory, by providing support to Repu-
drid was also founded in 1987 as one of the
blican refugees. Sci continued to help those in
branches of the SCI.
need around the globe. After a hundred years, with some disappointDuring the Second World War volunteers from
ments and many joys, we arrive today convin-
SCI France provide aid to Jews, gypsies, politi-
ced that Today, we are closer to achive Ce-
cal dissidents and other populations that were
resole’s dream: Servicio Civil Internacional is
interned in concentration camps by the Vichy
one of the largest organisations dedicated to
regime. At the same time, relief projects are
creating and coordinating volunteer projects
carried out for the civilian population in Palesti-
around the world.
ne, Egypt and Greece SCI has more than 45 branches worldwide and After World War II, SCI focuses its efforts on
collaborates with more than 80 partners, being
alleviating the effects of war on the civilian po-
present in more than 60 countries. It has more
pulation, and in the next decades launch dif-
than 1,200 volunteer projects and coordinates
ferent humaniatrian actions to assist refugees
more than 5,000 volunteers around the world.
from different armed conflicts( India,Tibet,Mo-
SCI focuses its work on promoting the values
rocco,Argelia and Tunisia). In 1987 the UN
of peace. To do this, it has developed an ex-
granted SCI the title of “Messenger of Peace”
tensive program of volunteer camps on the five
in recognition of its efforts to promote peace
continents. 57
58
59
Author: TANIA
INTERVIEW In this LINK, we interview Emma, a former volunteer in the Horse Therapeutic Center.
60
1
6 Why did you choose this project?
Emma, ​​in this interview we're going to talk about mental health stigma, what do you think?
Emma: Work. Yes of course, it's an incredible experience, we learn, discover, live...
Emma: I think that society stigmatizes people in poor mental health less and less, and rather seeks to help them.
2
Do you feel a real difference between your country of birth, which is France and the one where you currently reside?
ESC
Emma: In France we are more in our image, and more stressed, people pay attention to what they give off unlike here.
3
If you could give me 2 words to define France as well as Greece, which words would you use? Emma:
For Greece I will use the words landscapes, chill and for France home, cold.
name and surname Emma Cnossen
4 Why did you choose this project?
nationality French
Emma: I wanted a project where I could be
hosting organisation K.A.NE.
the best me. I chose this project because I really liked the idea of contact with horses, children and health all together in one project.
place Kalamata | GREECE volunteering project Horse Therapeutic Center
5 What do you like the most about your project? Emma: Work with horses, because it fascinates me.
Interviewer: CLARA
61
62
63
ART REVIEW
BLACK SWAN
For this topic about mental health, I chose to approach the famous movie “Black Swan” with Nathalie Portman, released in 2010.
64
This movie tells a story about a young woman, Nina, who wants to become a great prima ballerina. She is selected to have the main role in the famous “Swan Lake”. We can see her in her new character. Quickly, the viewer understands that there are lots of strange things in Nina’s behavior. Nina feels persecuted by people around her. She thinks that she has a rival who wants her to do evil. Sometimes she sees herself as an enemy. Nina wants to be perfect for her role. She wants to be a swan. So we can see changes on Nina’s body. But, the viewer understands that those modifications are not true, just Nina’s imagination. Gradually, on Nina’s body starts growing feathers, her legs are breaking, her eyes are becoming red as swan’s… Nina progressively loses consciousness of reality and creates her new world…
Nina finishes by killing herself whereas she thinks kill her rival…She knows that she will die but she seems satisfied by her performance in the “Swan Lake” and ends with a sentence “I was perfect.” Author: LAURE
65
Nina, example of a schizophrenic person? According to l’INSERM there are several types of symptoms in Schizophrenic people. We can find deliriums, hallucinations, feelings of persecution. Also, it’s possible to have sensory hallucinations, often auditory (the subject hears voices) but also visual, olfactory, tactile or gustatory hallucinations. Furthemore, there are also dissociative symptoms (disorganization of thought, speech, emotions and bodily behavior) (INSERM ; 2021). I chose to write about this movie because when I had seen it the very first time I was completely destabilized. I was 13 years old and it was a disturbing moment for me. I remember that I was with my older brother and I told him: “I didn’t understand anything about this movie!” Also, I remind you that I had lots of questions about this movie but I didn’t have the answers, so for me it was frustrating. But, now it’s different for me. My studies and my job allow me to have another opinion, judgement about this movie. I found that this movie is a good illustration to describe a schizophrenic person. Then, I like the principle of losing a viewer between real facts and Nina’s imagination. I think that it’s a good way to explain how a person with schizophrenia may feel. Lost between her own reality and real facts. Moreover, I appreciated music, actors, dance and the global story of the movie. For people who haven't seen this movie, I recommend you to watch it!
66
67
INTERVIEW
With the global pandemic of COVID-19 and the many confinements, we are entitled to ask ourselves what are the impacts on our mental health. So I need someone who is most in contact with people with mental health problems. So I am going to interview Laure, a French volunteer working as a nurse and psychology student, working with anorexic people.
68
1
2
Can you briefly explain your background and how it has helped you in caring for people with mental illnesses such as anorexics, for example?
What factors do you think contribute to mental health problems? Laure: This is a very difficult question because every patient is different, so every situation is different. For me it is not possible to generalise.
Laure: Initially, I had the opportunity to do many
However, I think I have some ideas. I have
internships when I was a nursing student. During
observed during my internships, in my work
these internships I had the opportunity to care
as a nurse, that many situations are due to
for different people, be it children in palliative
emotional repression, for example, and perhaps
care, hospitalised adults or elderly people. I was
the cause of an ailment.
thus able to discover different specialties such as surgery, urology, dermatology, traumatology,
I have the impression that many patients in
paediatrics, addictology, psychiatry (‌)
psychiatry try to deny and suppress their
I have been a nurseI've been a nurse forfor
emotions with mainly fear and sadness. This
3 years now and I have been able to work in psychiatry in Brest (my home town) in contact
EVS VOLUNTEER
with children, adults and the elderly. For 2 years I have been working in Lille in a psychiatric department specialising in eating disorders. I also work with people with other mental disorders (borderline, schizophrenia‌). Also, I have a degree in psychology which allows me to enrich my theoretical knowledge. All these experiences allow me to date, I think, theoretical and practical knowledge in the fields of care in general and more specifically in the field of psychiatry. Also, these different experiences have allowed
name Laure Douguet
me to develop my sensitivity, my empathy, my understanding, which is indispensable when
nationality French
working with young anorexic girls. I say young girl because anorexia nervosa mainly affects
organisation K.A.NE.
young women.
place Kalamata | GREECE 69
repression may be associated with other factors
anorexia nervosa can have unpredictable
and may have psychological repercussions, for
reactions during hospitalisation (running away,
example.
seizure, suicide attempts‌) which generates
These factors are very diverse: the family context
complex situations for the carers.
(heredity,
inter-family
relationships...),
the
social context (isolation, feelings of loneliness,
Another limit, I would say my age. Quite often
difficulties in interactions...) of the associated
the patients in my care are the same age as
pathologies...
me within a few years. In certain situations, I have had to insist that I am a carer and not an older sister, for example. In other situations, I
3
What do you think is the most complicated thing about working with this kind of patient?
take care of people who are the same age as my parents, which is sometimes uncomfortable for me.
Laure: What is often the most complicated
5
In general, what is the vision of people in the field of psychiatry and mental health?
when dealing with anorexia nervosa patients is that they are caught in a dilemma. They may be aware of their state of health (very low BMI and therefore a risk of death, bone problem, heart problem, social difficulties...) and wish to get out
Laure: The first thing I would say is that I have
of these disorders by accepting, for example, to
the impression that a lot of people are afraid of
be hospitalised. But at the same time, during
psychiatry and psychology. I have the impression
hospitalisation they may behave in ways that
that these are two areas that frighten people. A
reinforce their disorders (refusal to eat, refusal
lot of people are afraid to say that they may have
to take treatments...). I think that patience is
been depressed at some point, for example for
essential in this kind of situation for both the
fear of being judged and rejected.
carer and the patient. In our society, it is well seen to control everything, to succeed in everything ... So when a person
4
Are you confronted with limits in your work and what are your limits?
feels an evil being, I can understand that they hesitate before sharing it for fear, for example, of being considered abnormal. I can understand
Laure: Of course I have limits. For example,
that this person hesitates to consult a shrink. I
we have a lot of patients and there are few
think that inequalities exist in this area. For
nurses, care assistants, doctors, etc. I would
example, I was able to work in the public sector,
like to take more time with patients, especially
there was little money given for psychiatry.
during interviews, to go deeper into certain points, but sometimes this is not possible due
But now I work in a private hospital with more
to lack of time.
financial means, which allows me to have better care (because more activities are offered, more
Another limitation is that often patients with
equipment...). 70
6 How can some of society’s stereotypes about mental health be broken? Laure: I think that if people learned to better exploit their emotions, their thoughts, perhaps they would be less afraid of the fields of psychiatry and psychology. I think a lot of things happen in childhood. For example, we could introduce activities for the very young related to personal development and emotional recognition. This is developing more and more, particularly in France, and I think this is a good step forward.
7 Finally, what are the tips for maintaining good mental health in everyday life? Laure: In general, as I said before, I think it is important to be connected to your emotions and to exploit them. Then I think that each person has to find out what is important to him or her. For me for example, what really fulfils me is being able to write, sing, do sports, share good times with the people around me, and my friends to have nature around me. Afterwards it is difficult to tell others what is good for them because I don't belong there. Interviewer: VALENTIN
71
This is the represent the coronavirus. This
and in t
Fear, of the disease
Author: THAIS
and fear of others. O 72
against what it cau
tation of the psychosis linked to character could represent anyone
two different forms.
e, of catching it or passing it on,
Or anger, against the restrictions,
uses, the lies and manipulation.
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PLACE TO TRAVEL
NAPLES Cities of Art
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Naples (Napoli) - one of the largest and most charming cities of art in the Mediterranean. The capital of the Campania region, it is the third largest commune in Italy after Rome and Milan. The city is located on the shores of the gulf of the same name (golfo), which stretches from the Sorrentine Peninsula (penisola sorrentina) to the volcanic zone of the Phlegrean fields (Campi Flegrei). It offers a stunning view with the majestic Vesuvio volcano and, in the distance, three amazing islands - Capri, Ischia and Procida, which seem to be little decorations protruding from the sea. Naples owes its well-deserved fame not only to its stunning landscapes, but also to its charming historical center, which has a history of 2,500 years and which was inscribed in 1995 on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Naples is a city where historical and archaeological layers create unforgettable and fascinating routes. Little remains of "Partenope": a reminder of this Greek city remains, for example, in the Greek fortress walls that run along Via Mezzocannone. Ancient Roman ruins are more numerous: among many others, in the very center is the archaeological zone of San Lorenzo Maggiore (area Author: VIRA
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archeologica di San Lorenzo Maggiore), on the territory of which there is a part of the Greek agora of the 5th century BC. e. and many Roman ruins from the era when the city was already a metropolis. The daily and artistic life of Naples takes place in streets and neighborhoods full of life and historical monuments, starting with Sanità and the Spanish quarters (quartieri spagnoli), built in the 1500s, well-known and full of colors and folklore, to the paths along the main streets. If you go to the street artery called “Spaccanapoli” (because it divides the old town into two parts), tourists can start their way from the church of Ges Nuovo, the facade of which has retained the features of the master the 15th century palazzo, walk to the Basilica di San Domenico Maggiore of the Angevin dynasty, and along the Via Duomo to the beautiful Cathedral (Cattedrale). The cathedral was rebuilt several times in order to recover from the destruction caused by seismic activity. The building stands on the site of previous buildings, and the modern, soaring facade was created in the 19th century by the architect Enrico Alvino. Inside, it is worth visiting the Chapel of the Treasures of Saint Januarius (Cappella del Tesoro di San Gennaro), where, among other relics, the blood of this saint is kept. The second route starts at Piazza Bellini, where literary cafes are located, passes through the medieval porticoes of the Palazzo di Filippo d'Angiò on Via Tribunali and ends at the Castel Capua76
no. It is one of the four castles that dominate the city, together with the castles of Sant'Elmo, Castello dell'Ovo and the fortress-palace of Castel Nuovo, also called Maskio Angioino (Maschio Angioino), built during the reign of Charles of Anjou. From Maschio Angioino, you can head in the opposite direction, towards the piazza del Plebiscito, which is framed by the Basilica di San Francesco di Paola (Basilica di San Francesco di Paola), reminiscent of the Roman Pantheon, and the Royal Palace (Palazzo Reale ), the residence of the Bourbons. Other noteworthy buildings include the Monastero di Santa Chiara with a magnificent painted courtyard with porticoes (Chiostro delle Clarisse), the Basilica di San Lorenzo Maggiore, in the courtyard preserved Greek Roman buildings, the Royal Palace of Capodimonte (Palazzo Reale di Capodimonte), which houses the National Gallery with works by Titian, Raphael, Correggio, Masaccio, Mantegna and Caravaggio, as well as a number of other museums, including the city museum of Gaetano Filangieri (Museo Civieri Gaetano ). The rich cultural life of this capital of art takes place not only in museums such as Madre, but also in the cafes in the Galleria Umberto I: the establishments here are full of life even in the evening when Naples turns into a city of university students, musicians , pizza and good company.
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RECIPES FROM FRANCE TARTE AU MAROILLES
Author: EMMA
Easy 35 min 4 servings
INGREDIENTS:
INGREDIENTS: • 1 leavened dough • 1 maroilles • 1 small jar of heavy cream (20 cl) • an egg yolk • 1 paprika
PREPARATION: 1. Roll out the dough. 2. Scrape the crust of the maroilles (do not remove it). 3. Cut it into thin slices that are placed on the dough. 4. Add fresh cream mixed with an egg yolk. 5. Add a little paprika. 6. Bake for about 10 minutes in a hot oven (thermostat 8/240 ° C).
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The volunteers responsible for this publication are hosted in Greece in the framework of the European Solidarity Corps programme of the European Commission. This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. The European Commission’s support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents, which reflect the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.