Adolescence is a vital period in which more factors develop that can end up triggering lifelong mental problems. According to the World Health Organization, 9% of the population develops some type of mental health problem and one in four people will suffer from it in their lifetime. Depression, anxiety or stress begins in 75% of cases before the age of 25.
October 10 was celebrated as World Mental Health Day. The “la Caixa” Foundation seeks to respond to social challenges and questions that concern society, and within this framework it carries out several documentary activities that focus on the needs of young people and the role of employment, the precariousness of employment and the influence of society. aspects – especially in vulnerable groups – that affect the mental health of those who are still in a stage of personal, professional and vital formation.
Mental health is poor sister of a public health system that focuses even more on treatment than on prevention, with interventions based on an individualistic and medical perspective, which addresses social problems in shortage and does not respond to the current challenge that worries citizens. To this, it must be added that the resources necessary for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems are private, or that public places are rare and insufficient.
Ensuring the mental health of citizens consists mainly of improving social living conditions, such as access to housing, having a decent job, working hours allowing them to reconcile personal life, devoting qualitative and quantitative time to family and to have specific programs for groups at risk of social exclusion, green spaces, reduction of violence and sexism. When these social issues are addressed politically, we will truly work for mental health. Otherwise, corrective measures will be applied and the most socially disadvantaged will continue to be the most affected and those who will have the least access to public health.
Putting mental health issues in context
In the interview carried out by Gemma Nierga with Laia Ferrer, clinical psychologist and coordinator of the management team of the Vidal i Barraquer Foundation, we discuss the causes of the increase in mental health problems among young people and how we , as a society, can offer support. . species. The conversation also addresses the social conditions that make some young people more vulnerable to mental health problems, or the obstacles these people encounter in accessing the job market, where programs like Incorpora, from the “la Caixa” Foundation, play a role important. important role.
An article also appears in the Social Observatory on how the feeling of precariousness affects the mental health of young people, slowing down their expectations of emancipation and the achievement of their life goals, and becoming a determining factor in generating health problems mental at this stage of life. , while the current model of mental health focuses excessively on the biological aspects of the person and neglects these and other aspects, such as prevention or the analysis of the social aspects that surround us.
In this content programming aimed at spreading the importance of taking care of mental health, there is also room for issues that affect children. The CaixaProinfancia program publishes an article that focuses on families in vulnerable situations and the need to strengthen mental health resources in these groups.
Stability to improve the mental health of young people
In addition, from the “la Caixa” Foundation, through the line Integrates mental health of the program Integratedcare is provided to people suffering from mental health problems, people with physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities, women victims of gender-based violence, migrants, young people, people over 45 and people with mental health problems. addiction, among others. During this year 2024, the program has helped 5,300 people suffering from mental health problems and achieved nearly 2,000 socio-professional integrations in 1,200 companies throughout Spain.
These figures are possible thanks to the work and collaboration of a vast network of social entities which analyze the needs of each company and design a tailor-made plan, which includes advice and support when taking up employment, adaptation and subsequent maintenance. guarantee of a future for the person and their family and social environment.
The objective of Integrates mental health is to promote the employment of this group by combating the stigma and prejudices about mental health that still exist in society and in employment. “The inclusion of people with mental health problems in the world of work has proven to be a key factor in their recovery, helping them improve their self-esteem and quality of life,” explains psychologist Laia Ferrer clinician and program collaborator. Integrated. Ferrer highlights the benefits of employment, especially for young people: “Young people with mental health problems who have access to their first job opportunity arrive with great enthusiasm, with additional motivation. »
“As a society, we have the challenge to abandon discriminatory or stigmatizing behaviors towards these boys and girls to promote a better future for all,” adds Ferrer. Stigma, fear and ignorance remain the main barrier to employment for people with mental health problems and make them one of the population groups with the highest unemployment rates. To break down these barriers, technicians Integrates mental health They carry out important awareness-raising work, particularly focused on businesses and in favor of diversity in the workplace.
Since its launch in 2006, more than 450,000 people in vulnerable situations have obtained employment thanks to Integrated. This is possible thanks to the networking of more than 400 social entities and the collaboration of thousands of socially responsible companies throughout Spain, from various sectors such as hospitality, commerce, cleaning, care socio-sanitary, transport, industry and logistics.
