The Launch of the ‘Sija’ National Initiative, a Unique Stress-Management Programme for Youth, Localised by VU Researchers

Prof. Edvardas Kazlauskas. Photo taken by Justinas Auškelis.

The free-of-charge ‘Sija’ programme was launched for youth aged 18–25, translated and localised by Vilnius University (VU) researchers in cooperation with the World Health Organisation (WHO). Until the end of November, young people are invited to register for a study that will help them better understand their mental health condition and the emotional, social, and everyday challenges they face.

‘Sija’ is a Lithuanian version of the STARS (Sustainable Technology for Adolescents and Youth to Reduce Stress) stress-management programme developed by the WHO and intended for youth. For its use in Lithuania, the programme was translated and localised by the team of researchers from the Center for Psychotraumatology at the Institute of Psychology of VU Faculty of Philosophy, led by Prof. Evaldas Kazlauskas.

‘Sija’ is more than a study inviting young people to share their experiences anonymously – it also helps them to gain practical stress-management skills. ‘Sija’ is a five-week chatbot-based mental health programme. It consists of ten short online sessions – interactive conversations that help young people identify their emotions, practice various stress management techniques, and strengthen their emotional resilience. Each session takes just 10 to 20 minutes, and the programme can be accessed anytime, anywhere, as long as users have an internet connection. The chatbot operates according to an algorithm approved by psychologists. Thus, the programme is safe and contains carefully-selected information.

‘This is an easily accessible, interactive tool that allows young people to take care of their emotional well-being in a playful and engaging way. It’s important to note that although participants use the chatbot independently, they also receive brief consultations from specially trained volunteers. These consultations provide an opportunity to discuss their experiences, challenges, and more. This way, the programme combines individual work through a creative technological solution with personal support from volunteers who are ready to help,’ said the project leader, Prof. Kazlauskas.

The programme is free of charge, and the collected data are confidential. The initiative is implemented in cooperation with youth organisations, educational institutions, and the media. Moreover, selected participants will be able to receive free individual support, counselling, and emotional support.

According to the latest data from Lithuania and Europe, an increasing number of young people experience psychological pressure, feel unsure about their life choices, and often do not receive help. ‘Sija’ invites us to speak out loud about what is usually left unsaid – doubt, anxiety, finding one’s true identity, and the pressure to ‘find your way’.

Young people interested in the programme and the study will have a unique opportunity to benefit from a stress-management programme not available elsewhere. In addition, by participating in the study conducted by VU, young people will contribute to international scientific study and improvement of the quality of psychological services in Lithuania and internationally. All participants selected for the study will receive a gift for their time.

The campaign will be implemented through various channels: online – via the ‘Sija’ platform, Instagram and Facebook social networks, and newsletters; physically – through a network of partners in universities, schools, youth centres, and communities. Moreover, interviews and articles will be published in the media.

Young people are invited to fill in the form here – the registration started on 8 September. The campaign will continue until 30 November.