Imagine a young person in Europe after the COVID-19 pandemic. They return to school or start university, trying to find their place in a reality that is no longer the same as before. On the one hand, they have more opportunities than ever; on the other, they face uncertainty, pressure, and a fast pace of change.
For many young people, this moment has become a turning point in how they think about mental health. Conversations about emotions, stress, and feelings of confusion are becoming more common. And for good reason – according to the World Health Organisation, around one in seven adolescents worldwide experiences mental health difficulties. In Europe, the situation is similar – nearly one in two people reports having faced emotional or psychosocial challenges such as anxiety or depression.
But behind these numbers are real stories. Uncertainty about future careers, difficulties in finding housing, the impact of global crises, and climate change all shape the everyday lives of young people. On top of that, there is the online world: social media, which can both support and increase pressure, and new technologies such as artificial intelligence, which are transforming how young people learn, work, and communicate.
These are exactly the challenges addressed by the publication “Insights into Youth Mental Health and Well-being: Existing Practices and New Trends”, developed within the framework of the EU–Council of Europe Youth Partnership. It not only highlights the difficulties young people face today, but also explores actions that can support their well-being.
The publication presents examples of initiatives that are already in place, both at the European and national levels. These include practical solutions, good practices, and ideas on how to better support young people in their daily challenges. Among them are mental health support programmes, educational activities that raise awareness about well-being, and initiatives that strengthen a sense of belonging and social inclusion.
It also highlights actions aimed at those working with young people – teachers, educators, and youth workers – helping them better understand young people’s needs and respond more effectively. In this way, support is not limited to individuals but extends to the wider environment in which young people live and interact every day.
The publication also shows that young people’s mental health is not determined only by their personal experiences or coping skills. It is strongly influenced by living conditions, access to services, the quality of education, and public policies. This means that real change requires cooperation at many levels – from local communities to European institutions.
Because mental health is not only an individual issue – it is also about the environment in which we live, learn, and work. And it is this environment that can become a space for support, understanding, and meaningful change.
