FACULTY MEMBERS AND STUDENTS FROM KNUTD PARTICIPATED IN THE ALL-UKRAINIAN ONLINE FORUM “MENTAL HEALTH DAY”

Mental Health Week is currently underway at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, dedicated to World Mental Health Day, which is observed annually on October 10. As part of the nationwide mental health program “How Are You?”, initiated by Ukraine’s First Lady Olena Zelenska, the university community is actively participating in themed initiatives, organizing its own educational events, and taking part in nationwide forums, training sessions, and workshops. All these activities are aimed at promoting a culture of mental health care, developing psychological resilience, and building self-care skills.

One of the events of Mental Health Week was the participation of representatives from KNUTD in the All-Ukrainian online forum “Mental Health Day”, which took place on October 10, 2026. The forum brought participants together to discuss pressing issues related to maintaining psychological well-being, developing stress resilience, and implementing modern approaches to supporting mental health in the face of societal challenges.

The following faculty and staff members from the Department of Psychology and Continuing Professional Education at Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design participated in the forum: Nataliia Dobrovolska – Department Chair, Doctor of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor; Alla Kolodyazhna – Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Associate Professor; Inna Kosyak – Candidate of Pedagogical Sciences, Associate Professor; Daryna Chernyak – Candidate of Sociological Sciences, Associate Professor; Alona Tykhomirova – Candidate of Psychological Sciences, Senior Lecturer; as well as students majoring in “Psychology.”

The forum’s program covered a wide range of topics related to psychological resilience, emotional literacy, and the development of self-regulation skills. Particular attention was paid to contemporary approaches to psychological recovery, specifically the use of art therapy, meditative practices, physical activity, and creativity as resources for supporting mental health.

A separate topic of discussion focused on opportunities for developing cognitive functions and psychological well-being, particularly the use of “neuro-leaps” as one of the modern practical approaches. Participants also learned about self-awareness tools based on Robert Dilts’s Logical Levels model and Carl Jung’s concept of archetypes.

Issues of post-traumatic growth, the search for personal resources, and the development of the ability to overcome the consequences of difficult life circumstances played a significant role in the program. The focus was on the psychological mechanisms of adaptation, the restoration of inner balance, and opportunities for personal development following traumatic events.

Significant attention was devoted to inclusive practices for supporting the mental health of children and youth, as well as to international experience in creating a psychologically safe educational environment. Discussions on these issues provided an opportunity to examine contemporary approaches to ensuring the psychological well-being of participants in the educational process and to identify promising areas for their practical application.

For students majoring in “Psychology,” participation in the forum was an important part of their professional development and an opportunity to deepen their knowledge of crisis psychology, trauma psychology, mental health, and psychological counseling. Familiarity with contemporary practices in psychological support contributes to the development of professional competencies among future psychologists, fosters critical thinking, and raises awareness of the importance of scientifically grounded approaches in professional practice.

For faculty and staff, the event served as an opportunity for professional exchange of experiences, familiarization with current trends in psychological science and practice, and exploration of opportunities to integrate modern approaches into the curriculum of the “Psychology” educational program.

The participation of KNUTD representatives in the All-Ukrainian online forum “Mental Health Day” contributes to improving the quality of professional training for future psychologists, fostering academic collaboration, and promoting a culture of responsible attitudes toward mental health.

The staff of the Department of Psychology and Continuing Professional Education at KNUTD extends its sincere gratitude to the forum organizers for the substantive program, the relevance of the issues raised, and the opportunity to participate in a professional discussion of contemporary challenges in the field of mental health.

14.10.2026