Break the silence! Speak up for mental health!
Understanding the importance of mental health support for young people. Discussing mental health should not be surrounded by stigma. The well-being of youth is paramount for resilient communities and inclusive societies.
Let`s talk!
Talking about mental health can be difficult and can feel alienating. This is especially worrying taking into account the significant number of young people facing mental health issues.
That’s why we want to encourage youth to take initiative and normalize discourse on the topic, breaking the stigma that has been associated for so long with psychological well-being through a multilateral approach, focusing on community engagement, peer-to-peer interaction and an educational approach to the matter.
We bring youth voices and needs to centre stage and encourage openness, sincere dialogue and neurodiversity in order to tackle one of our generation’s most significant challenges.
Why is discussing mental health important?
Mental health has been historically misunderstood and stigmatized, leading to isolation and mistreatment. Despite advancements in understanding, the stigma remains.
According to the World Health Organization, one in seven 10-19-year-olds experiences a mental disorder. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these challenges, highlighting the need for open discussion and support. Besides this, bearing the burden of mental health issues alone can be an isolating and dehumanizing experience, further damaging affected individuals’ capacity to recover. Thus, addressing mental health is vital, not just for individuals, but for families, workplaces, and communities.
Breaking the stigma and prioritizing mental health can help everyone thrive.
How do we act?
Through an integrated approach to the topic of mental health, we can gain a better understanding of young people’s feelings and challenges. In this sense, research along with targeted actions at a local and European level will consistently shape and improve the YMCA’s approach to mental health, as well as the public’s perspective and openness towards the subject.
Culminating with World Mental Health Day on the 10th of October, we will discuss the most important challenges young people face in the field of psychological well-being, presenting facts and stories that influence our understanding of mental health.
Mental health matters!
At the YMCA youth well-being has been our guiding principle for the past 180 years. Founded in 1844 as an organization meant to offer young people the context and skills to develop their mind, body and spirit, the YMCA has been at the forefront of the global fight for youth rights. Now, faced with a global crisis regarding youth mental health, the YMCA stands strong behind young people and empowers them to build resilient communities where no challenge is overshadowed by stigma.
Take our campaign one step further!
Be the voice of those who need it most! Learn more about our 2024 Campaign and advocate for mental health using the hashtag #LetsTalk and join our efforts to highlight the importance of discussing psychological well-being leading up to World Mental Health Day on October 10th!
Do you want to spread the word on the ground? Below you will find our Resources kit, aimed at offering our advocates the media materials they might need to get entire communities talking!
