According to the Flash Eurobarometer 530, October 2023, (state of mental well-being in EU27), 46% of respondents have experienced an emotional or psychosocial problem, such as feeling depressed or anxious, in the past year. 54% of respondents with a mental health issue have not received help from a professional. Most respondents replied that recent world events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, Russia’s war against Ukraine, Israel war on Gaza, and the climate crisis has shaken their everyday reality, and have influenced their mental health to a great extent.
Furthermore, YOUTH Mental Health in the EU is a big concern. Many young lives have been crushed by depression and anxiety. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death for EU youth. Our youth are also inheriting a troubled world, from climate change to ongoing conflicts between nations. Nowadays, millions of YP are fighting with feelings of loneliness and societal expectations that they struggle to meet (EPP 2023).
Mental health(MH) is an integral part of health, in which individuals realise their own abilities and can cope with the stresses of life and contribute to society development. It’s a precondition for a productive economy and inclusive society. When it comes to YP, their MH is really important for them as individuals but also for the society. Being young is a synonym of change, progress and future. Based on the fact that, YP are our society’s main agents of change and progress, providing support for maintaining their MH that will enable them to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn, work, and contribute to the community, it is crucial.
Unfortunately, most of the times, Mental Health Disorders (MHD) appear on YP during the transition to adulthood, a critical period where YP need to make important educational decisions, lifestyles choices and form interpersonal relationships. In the absence of appropriate support, MHD can have major long-term negative impact on YP’s social, intellectual and emotional development and consequently on their future.
In addition, most adolescents with MHD, they are often reluctant in seeking professional support because they feel embarrassed. In general, there is a lot of shame and fear associated with the idea going to a psychologist and even more shame for going to a psychiatrist, as YP are afraid not to be stigmatized by others (social stigma). As a result, the people who perceive stigma often agree with these stereotypes and internalize them (self-stigma), a process which might lead to deeper mental processes, depression or even suicide. YP often underestimate the need for outside help and attempt to deal with their problems on their own.
STRONGERYOU(th) project aims to respond to the above by increasing Youth workers’ knowledge and understanding of MH as a positive resource and skill that they can teach, learn, and promote to YOUNG PEOPLE with the appropriate tools and resources.