On September 3, 2025, Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University hosted a day of joint action “Lessons of Happiness: Caring for the Mental Health of Children and Youth” within the framework of the “How Are You?” All-Ukrainian Mental Health Programme initiated by Olena Zelenska.
Participants-speakers: Deputy Head of Volyn OMA Roman Romaniuk, Rector Anatolii Tsos and Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Professor, Regional Programme Coordinator and Advisor to Head of Volyn OMA on Mental Health Nataliia Kostruba. Also present were Vice-Rector Nataliia Blahovirna and Assistant Professor of Department of Pedagogical and Age Psychology Anna Kulchytska. The moderator of the event was Oksana Fishchuk, Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor, Psychologist of the Educational and Scientific Centre for Mental Well-Being.
Лекцію відвідали студенти-психологи, зокрема першокурсники.
The lecture was attended by psychology students, including first-year students.
The event began with a welcome speech by Roman Romaniuk. He wished the students success in their plans and reminded them that it is important to take care of themselves and their own mental health. “Be healthy both physically and mentally. This is the basis of our development and that of the nation,” he said.
Rector Anatolii Tsos congratulated the first-year psychologists on choosing this particular specialty, because it is important for improving mental well-being in the country. Anatolii Vasylyovych also spoke about the psychological support system at the University: “We have a full-time psychologist, qualified teaching specialists, and relevant centres. We are currently implementing the “How are you?” programme and planning to create a psychological support centre.”
Rector emphasized that future psychologists need to take care of their mental well-being in order to be able to provide psychological support to others. Anatolii Tsos also mentioned the positive impact of physical activity: “The more active you are, the healthier you will be, and your student life will become better and more diverse,” he addressed the students.
The main part of the lecture was conducted by Nataliia Kostruba who talked about where to get help and techniques of self-care. She mentioned Law No. 12030 “On the Mental Health Care System” of January 15, 2025, which guarantees the provision of free psychological assistance at the state level.
“A “University as a Space of Psychosocial Support” guide has been developed. Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University is a co-author of this guide, so we are one of the first to care about the mental health of our students,” said Nataliia Kostruba.
During the interactive part of the event, Natalia Kostruba shared self-help techniques to calm down in a stressful situation. The students learned how to identify their state during emotional burnout and what activities can become resources.
Finally, Oksana Fishchuk encouraged psychology students to help and protect their mental health. “I urge you to love yourself, respect yourself and not put off good deeds for tomorrow,” she concluded.
After that, a blitz survey was conducted based on the lecture material and the participants received incentive gifts.
Information Policy Office
