PA Lithuania
Before the MENTAL COMFORT youth exchange, the Lithuanian team carried out a series of preparation activities focused on understanding the link between mental health, physical activity, and stepping out of one's comfort zone. Through discussions, research, and creative poster-making, they explored the main challenges young people in Lithuania face regarding stress, anxiety, and self-confidence, while highlighting national initiatives that promote well-being through movement and community engagement. These activities helped participants reflect on their own comfort zones and prepare for active involvement in the project.
Research from Lithuanian Team
The Lithuanian group gathered at the YLC to take part in discussions and debates on the topic of youth exchange. For many of the participants, this meeting served as their very first introduction to the Erasmus+ programme. They had the chance to learn about the opportunities it provides for young people, such as studying, volunteering, and gaining international experience. The session encouraged participants to share their thoughts, ask questions, and reflect on how international exchange could contribute to their personal growth, cultural understanding, and future career paths. It was not only an informative meeting but also an inspiring first step toward active involvement in European youth initiatives.
Problem
Youth mental health in Lithuania is becoming an increasingly urgent issue, with many young people experiencing stress, anxiety, and emotional difficulties. Although various programs promote physical activity and well-being, significant barriers remain. Stigma around mental health, fear of stepping out of one's comfort zone, social pressure, and limited opportunities in rural areas prevent many young people from fully engaging in activities that could improve their resilience and personal growth. As a result, there is a gap between available initiatives and the actual needs of young people, which calls for more inclusive, supportive, and empowering approaches.
Personal Research of participants
Using these questions as guidelines:
- What is the current state of youth mental health in your country?
- How is physical activity promoted as a mental health tool in schools, youth clubs, or nationally?
- What barriers do young people face in stepping out of their comfort zone?
- What programs or initiatives (governmental or grassroots) exist to support youth mental well-being through sports or outdoor activities?
Nojus Pranskevičius
In my country, youth mental health has become a growing concern in recent years. Many young people report high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, often linked to academic pressure, social media, and uncertainty about the future. Although awareness is increasing, there is still stigma around mental health, and not all young people have easy access to professional support.
Physical activity is promoted through school sports programs, physical education classes, and extracurricular clubs. National campaigns often emphasize the importance of exercise for both physical and mental health. Youth organizations and local sports clubs also encourage participation in team sports and outdoor activities as a way to reduce stress, build confidence, and foster social connections.
Some barriers include fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, and social anxiety. Financial difficulties can also prevent young people from joining sports clubs or outdoor activities. Additionally, excessive use of technology and sedentary lifestyles can discourage them from being physically active. Cultural or family expectations may also limit participation in certain activities.
Several initiatives exist, such as government-funded school sports programs, youth mental health campaigns that highlight the benefits of physical activity, and grassroots organizations that organize free or low-cost outdoor activities. Non-profit groups also run workshops and camps that combine physical activity with mental health education, helping young people build resilience, teamwork, and self-esteem.
Urtė Raugalaitė
• ~30% of young people experience mental health problems.
• Suicide rates are high in Lithuania.
• There is a lack of psychological help, especially in the regions.
• School wellness programs and physical education.
• National projects ("Sveikatiada").
• Sport reduces stress and improves mood.
• Social anxiety and financial barriers.
• Lack of sports infrastructure.
• Lack of knowledge about the benefits of being active.
• State programs ("Sveikatiada", "Sveika mokykla").
• Youth centers and sports clubs.
• NGOs ("Jaunimo linija", "Be active").
• Community walks and events.
Barbora Morkūnaitė
I could say that many young people in my country feel stressed and worried, especially about school and future plans, because it puts a lot of pressure on them. For example, in our country it is very hard to pass exams well because they are extremely difficult. That is why, from a young age, we start to worry about university studies, whether we will get in or not, and how we will do on exams. This causes a lot of stress.
Physical activity is promoted in schools, youth clubs, and nationally because it helps young people feel happier and less stressed. Schools have PE classes, art classes, and active breaks. Youth clubs organize games, sports, or workouts. PE teachers also invite students to join sports events, runs, and other activities.
Young people often find it hard to step out of their comfort zone because they are afraid of failing. They worry too much about what other people will think or say. Many also don't trust themselves enough and think they are not good enough. This makes them stay safe instead of trying new things.
Programs or initiatives that help young people feel better through sports or outdoor activities include sports clubs, concerts, summer camps outdoors, youth football or basketball tournaments, community runs, or nature hikes.
Ugnius Navalinskas
In Lithuania, youth mental health is a real concern. About one in five young people struggles with emotional or psychological difficulties, especially after the pandemic. Stigma around mental health is slowly decreasing, and the government is expanding free counseling services and moving toward community-based care. Interestingly, despite these challenges, Lithuania was recently ranked the happiest country in the world for under-30s, so it's a mix of progress and ongoing issues.
In Lithuania, schools, youth clubs, and national campaigns promote physical activity to improve mood, reduce stress, and build social connections.
Fear, social pressure, and self-doubt often hold young people back from trying new things.
Sveikatiada in Lithuania encourages children and youth to stay active through sports, challenges, and school activities, supporting both physical and mental health.
Itanas Kvasnickis
Youth mental health in Lithuania remains a pressing issue – although recent years have brought more support initiatives and reduced stigma, in reality young people still struggle with high levels of anxiety, loneliness, and suicide risk. Strong pressure about the future, the influence of social media, and limited access to psychological services create a paradox: mental health is discussed more than ever, yet real help is still often lacking.
In Lithuania, physical activity is promoted through school events, youth activities, and national campaigns, but not all young people are included.
Young people are held back by fear of failure, lack of self-confidence, others' judgment, and limited opportunities.
In Lithuania, programs like "Sveikatiada," youth center sports activities, and outdoor activity projects support youth mental health, but their availability varies across regions.
Sidas Markevičius
In my country (Lithuania) numbers show that about 83% of youth people face mental problems. One of the problems is fear to open up to someone, especially after corona virus when we stayed at home and a lot of people forgot how to communicate with people in real life. Other problem may be dealing with a stress to have good grades, to have a good carrier, sometimes do what parents want you to do. I think this problem came from Soviet times when it was necessary to finish school with good grades to have a good job. Also now days social media also gives stress for youth people, they see how celebrities live and they try to copy them.
In my school youth people usually play volleyball as a mental health tool, also we have a club called "Interact" where youth volunteers organize volleyball competition. Also there are other activities such as entertainment dances, folk dances. Every year my school organize "Šokių šėlsmas" where vollunter couples compete in dancing competition. Also every year my school organize a sports day for everyone in school.
Usually when youth people try to get out of their comfort zone, they face fear of failure or what other people will think. Also when youth people see someone better at something, they think that they aren,t good enough and quit.
In my city, Ukmerge, we have quite a lot activities to support mental healt. Like I said "Interact" organize volleyball competition, also there is a club called "Šiandien plotas" which organize fottball, volleyball, boldering competitions and atfer all competitions organize afterparty for everyone. Also in my city where are organisations like "JLC", "LMS", "Bounty Hunters" which do evening dances for everyone, especialy for youth people.