ACTIONS AND REFLECTIONS INVOLVING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS : EXPERIENCE REPORT ABOUT THE PROJECT BE HAPPY

Introduction and Objectives: The rate of undergraduates who have some kind of psychiatric disorder is about 20%. Researchers believe that there are stressors over a graduation, which could influence the prevalence of these disorders among students. The paper sought to describe and analyze the development process of ‘’Be Happy’’ project in the scientific perspective. Methodology: The project was performed by undergraduates of the non-governmental organization IFMSA Brazil, that seeks to escort and mentor university students. It took place through conversations with trade professionals, encouraging the search for good eating habits, physical exercises and appraisement of social relationships. These actions optimize the life quality of students and are associated with an enhance of mental health. This is an experience report of the project conducted in 2015 with 24 participants. The project was divided into three events: a roundtable that provided technical information on the subject in a multidisciplinary way; pleasant and reflective activities in outdoor spaces; and a conversation with a psychologist and a physical educator to reflect on how the activities affect the routines of the participants. Results and Conclusions: The students reflected the importance of mental health. In addition, the activities showed that life quality is possible even with academic collections. It is, therefore, necessary that the project activities be maintained and expanded, so the university students can participate in diverse extracurricular activities, aiming life quality. After all, the educational institutions must be concerned not only with training, but also with the welfare of their students.