By Angie Tatiana Romero Tovar 

Advisory member of GOYN Barranquilla

For as long as I can remember, I've always been concerned about topics considered taboo in my environment: mental health, suicide, anxiety, depression, sexuality. For years, discussing these topics was nearly impossible, and although they've become more accessible today, the gap between public discourse and the reality of those of us who face these challenges remains enormous.

As a professional in the field, talking about mental health may seem simple, but doing so from the perspective of a young person changes our perspective. We've been called "fragile," "lacking character," and "the glass generation" for putting emotional well-being on the table. However, what for some is a sign of weakness has been an urgent need for us. This isn't a fad or an exaggeration, but rather a cry for help in the face of a lack of resources and real support.

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought this crisis into sharp focus. We are facing a reality where anxiety, depression, and stress have skyrocketed, and although the issue has become more visible, solutions remain insufficient. Globally, it is estimated that one in seven adolescents between the ages of 10 and 19 suffer from mental disorders. In Colombia, according to a 2023 survey, more than 661% of Colombians have faced mental health issues, with young women between the ages of 18 and 24 being the most affected. Despite these figures, mental health remains a low priority on the public agenda and is rarely addressed comprehensively in medical consultations.

One of the most alarming aspects of this crisis is youth suicide. In many countries, it is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 15 to 29, and in Colombia, the numbers are rising. According to the reports from “GOYN Barranquilla” and “Nuestra Barranquilla 2024,” young people in our city face a high vulnerability to mental health problems, exacerbated by economic, academic, and family factors. The lack of access to psychological services and the social stigma that still surrounds these issues prevent many from seeking help, creating a cycle of hopelessness.

The use of substances such as alcohol and marijuana has also increased in recent years, particularly in college settings. Academic stress, social pressure, lack of job opportunities, and family problems are factors that push young people to seek refuge in these substances. This is a reality we experience firsthand, and local data confirms it.

Given this situation, we cannot continue to view mental health as a luxury. It is an urgent need. We need to strengthen mental health programs in educational and community institutions, create safe spaces where young people can express themselves without fear of judgment, and guarantee real access to mental health services without financial barriers. Substance abuse prevention must also be addressed through education and healthy leisure options.

Finally, access to decent employment is key to youth well-being. Having economic stability reduces anxiety and provides a sense of purpose. This is not just a mental health issue, but a social justice one. As someone who works with, for, and on behalf of young people, I also consider it essential to have recreational spaces that allow them to disconnect from daily stress and strengthen their support networks. These places not only offer entertainment but also serve as protective environments where they can develop social and emotional skills. These spaces can be led by young people themselves, as peer-to-peer work generates much greater security and closeness, especially if it is for the common good of emotional well-being.

As a reflection, we still have time to act and avoid the risk of losing a generation. Mental health cannot continue to be a privilege reserved for a select few. It's time to treat it for what it truly is: a basic need for living and growing in a more equitable society.