© AFP
As concerns about the declining mental health of young people rise, Mental Health Weeks kicked off this week with a series of events aimed at raising awareness and providing support.
Concerns about the declining mental health of young people were highlighted on Monday morning during the kick-off of Mental Health Weeks, organised by the Mental Health League and the Ministry of Health. In addition to various events, including plays, a festival, and concerts, 500 individuals are set to receive training in Mental Health First Aid. This training, which has been available since 2021, has already seen nearly 7,000 participants.
The prevalence of mental illnesses among young people has increased from 20% to 30%. By now, up to 75% of all mental illnesses manifest before the age of 25. 20% of all patients receiving psychiatric treatment in Luxembourg in 2023 were under the age of 25. In psychotherapy, the rate was 25%. In recent years, 3% of all hospitalisations were due to mental illnesses. 15% of these hospitalised patients were under the age of 25.
The reasons behind this severe deterioration in young people's mental health are likely multifaceted. Climate change, wars, pandemic, digitalisation, and other crises of recent years continue to have a negative impact on young people's mental states. Student representatives note that those affected by mental health issues are becoming increasingly younger and struggle to cope with the fact that their future is extremely uncertain. Meanwhile, mental health professionals note that the young people of today are affected by a much greater sense of pessimism compared to previous generations.
The Mental Health League has called for a shift in health policy priorities, a message that was acknowledged by Minister of Health Martine Deprez. Upon taking office, Minister Deprez reviewed the mental health plan and emphasised the need for support, stating, "Young people need a lot and need a lot of encouragement. They are our first priority."
To enhance mental health support, Deprez aims to improve collaboration among various stakeholders, including between herself, the Minister of Education, and the Minister for Family Affairs. She acknowledged the need for more comprehensive mental health services in schools. While secondary schools currently have the Psychosocial and Scholastic Assistance Centre (CEPAS), there is no equivalent system in primary schools.
Minister Deprez underscored the importance of raising awareness among young people about mental health. She proposed offering first aid courses in schools and transforming school medical services into comprehensive school health services, with a greater emphasis on mental health.
