VI Regional Meeting: Tackling Youth Mental Health Challenges
2024
VI Regional Meeting: Tackling Youth Mental Health Challenges
The VI Regional Meeting of the Network of Youth Information Services took place in Torrejón de Ardoz, Madrid, on April 3 and 4, focusing on the crucial issue of youth mental health. This issue is currently at the forefront of public debate and has a significant impact on the younger population. The pandemic has brought mental health to the forefront and has led to its recognition as a pressing issue. Mental health and emotional well-being are now seen as interconnected aspects of overall health.
The event featured a series of speeches by guest speakers addressing different aspects of youth mental health, followed by insightful analysis and debate on various aspects of the issue, such as why information on mental health and emotional well-being is not reaching young people, how to address young people's mental health concerns, what young people's perceptions of their health and well-being are, or the impact of influencers and their promotions on young people's physical appearance and eating habits. A series of workshops were also held, addressing topics such as addiction to social networks and technology, substance abuse, social and family isolation, loss of perspective, and fear of the future, among others. These workshops allowed youth workers to interact with mental health experts on key topics such as self-harm and suicidal behavior prevention, digital balance, and mental health literacy.
In addition, attendees had the opportunity to hear from youth workers from various organisations who shared their experiences and best practices in addressing youth mental health.
-
• The terminology surrounding mental health can be stigmatising, with clinical labels reinforcing negative connotations. An integrative concept such as emotional balance may be more appropriate.
• The most common problems among youth are anxiety, low mood, and conflict in various relationships.
• Young people often self-diagnose, sometimes inaccurately due to the overwhelming amount of information available.
• Barriers to accessing solutions exist, such as a lack of communication between support services and young people's needs and perceptions.
-
• Actively listen to young people's needs and views.
• Create safe spaces for young people to express themselves and feel valued, with a special emphasis on psychosocial counselling services.
• Provide mental health training for youth information service workers.
• Implement outreach strategies through social media and other platforms to interact directly with young people.
• Support mental health initiatives through grants and other resources.
• Promote leisure activities as a positive outlet for youth, fostering a sense of purpose and engagement.
Overall, the meeting highlighted the importance of prioritising youth mental health and emotional well-being and outlined practical steps to improve support and access to resources in this critical area.
