Adolescence is a vital period in which more factors develop that can end up triggering mental problems throughout life. According to the World Health Organization, 9% of the population develops some type of mental health problem and one in four people will have it throughout their lives. Depression, anxiety, or stress begin in 75% of cases before the age of 25.
On October 10, World Mental Health Day was celebrated. “la Caixa” Foundation seeks to respond to social challenges and issues that concern society, and in this framework, they carry out several documentary activities that focus on the needs of young people and the role of employment, job insecurity and the influence of the social 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 still focuses more on treatment than prevention, with interventions based on an individualistic and medical perspective, which addresses the social issues in short supply and does not address the current challenge that worries citizens. To this we must add that the resources necessary for the prevention and treatment of mental health problems are private, or public places are scarce 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 that allow for the reconciliation of personal life, having quality and quantity time to the family and in having specific programs for groups at risk of social exclusion, green areas, reduction of violence and sexism. When these social issues are addressed politically, we will really be working for mental health. Otherwise, patches 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 problems in context
In the interview conducted by Gemma Nierga with Laia Ferrer, clinical psychologist and coordinator of the guiding team of the Vidal i Barraquer Foundation, the causes of the increase in mental health problems in youth and how we can, as a society, offer support are discussed. cash. The conversation also addresses the social conditions that make some young people more vulnerable to having mental health problems, or the barriers that these people have to access the labor market, where programs such as Incorpora, from the “la Caixa” Foundation, play an important role. important role.
An article also appears in the Social Observatory about how the feeling of precariousness affects the mental health of young people, slowing down their expectations of emancipation and achieving their life goals, and becoming a determining factor in generating mental health problems. at this stage of life, while the current mental health model focuses excessively on the biological aspects of the person and neglects these aspects and others, such as prevention or the analysis of the social aspects that surround us.
In this content programming to disseminate the importance of taking care of mental health, there is also room for problems that affect children. The CaixaProinfancia program publishes an article that focuses on families in vulnerable situations and the need to enhance mental health resources in these groups.
Stability to improve mental health in young people
Furthermore, from the “la Caixa” Foundation, through the line Incorporates Mental Health of the program Incorporatescare is provided to people with mental health problems, people with physical, intellectual or sensory disabilities, women victims of gender violence, migrants, young people, people over 45 years of age and people with addiction problems, among others. During this year 2024, the program has assisted 5,300 people with mental health problems and has achieved nearly 2,000 socio-labor insertions in 1,200 companies throughout Spain.
These figures are possible thanks to the work and collaboration of an extensive network of social entities that analyze the needs of each company and design a tailored plan, which includes advice and support when entering the job, adapting to it. and subsequent maintenance that is a guarantee of the future for the person and their family and social environment.
The objective of Incorporates Mental Health is to promote the employment of this group by combating the stigmas 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,” says Laia Ferrer, clinical psychologist and collaborator of the program. Incorporates. Ferrer highlights the benefits of employment especially for youth: “Young people with mental health problems who have access to their first job opportunity arrive with great enthusiasm, with extra motivation.”
“As a society, we have the challenge of abandoning discriminatory or stigmatizing behavior with these boys and girls to promote a better future for everyone,” adds Ferrer. Stigma, fear and ignorance continue to be the main barrier to the employment of people with mental health problems, and makes this one of the population groups with the highest unemployment rate. To break these barriers, technicians Incorporates Mental Health They carry out important awareness-raising work, focused especially on companies and promoting diversity in the workplace.
Since its launch in 2006, more than 450,000 people in vulnerable situations have obtained employment through Incorporates. 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 diverse sectors such as hospitality, commerce, cleaning, socio-health care, transport, industry and logistics.