"An overview of the mental health of young people and adolescents was provided, addressing several facets relevant to our educative and pastoral activity: the education of emotional skills; the care of relationships and ties within support networks (family, friends, peers, educators); the attention to the educational process. It is also important to work on some factors that protect mental well-being: healthy habits, supportive social connections and the ability to manage the challenges that life presents", explained Antonella Sinagoga, coordinator of the initiative.
According to the World Health Organization, globally one in seven young people between the ages of 10 and 19 suffer from a mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, antisocial disorder or self-harm, and thinking about suicide. Eating disorders such as bulimia or anorexia are associated with a higher mortality rate than any other mental disorder. It is surprising that suicide is the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-19, with a significantly higher risk for marginalised groups and those discriminated against.
In general, the sessions insisted on some attitudes on the part of educators: actively listening to adolescents and letting them express what they feel and what concerns them; avoiding judgments and prejudices; providing maximum security and reassurance; showing affection and care; showing willingness to help and accompany; supporting families and people who care for them so that they can better understand their needs; ensuring that schools support mental health and are protective environments for emotional well-being; ensuring that all Salesian presences have plans for accompaniment, prevention and care so as not to fall into greater vulnerability.
All this forms an intertwined set of factors that can help prevent and accompany any disorders in young people. Are you really aware of how many adolescents are subjected to processes of social isolation or how many children and adolescents are victims of bullying at home, for example?
In Salesian presences it is important to follow the daily rhythms and sequences in all areas: in the school environment, ensure the monitoring of activities and school performance; in interpersonal relationships, control imbalances and disorders in interaction with family, friends, colleagues, educators and isolation; in free time habits, verify the abandonment of routines that until recently were part of their lives. And, very importantly, pay attention to some symptoms related to mood (for example sadness, irritability, feeling empty) or anxiety (feeling of losing control, obsessive thoughts, memory deficit, attention, indecision and insecurity). And likewise, take note of some organic physiological symptoms, such as tachycardia, tingling in the limbs, muscle tension or shortness of breath.
"We hope that this wide-ranging proposal will contribute to expanding and disseminating knowledge on fundamental aspects for the health and integral development of young people. To treat mental health, it is essential to integrate the human sciences, focused on meaning and values, with the wisdom of Christian spirituality, as an antidote to anxiety, depression, senselessness and the sense of loneliness that afflict our young people " said Fr Miguel Angel García Morcuende, General Councillor for Youth Ministry, as a personal summary.
