(ANS – Lisbon) – Around 700 educators registered for the webinar on young people’s mental health, organized by the publisher “Salesianos Editora” and “Fundação Salesianos”—two different Salesian bodies in Portugal. Hundreds followed the live presentation on March 9 of the Portuguese edition of the book “Mental Health of Young People: Recognizing to Accompany,” published in 2025 by the Salesian Youth Ministry Sector, along with the webinar featuring two guest psychologists, António Rodrigues and Rosário Costa, both with extensive experience supporting young people in Salesian educational settings.

The presentation was aimed at educators, parents, guardians, teachers, catechists, scout leaders… who logged on in large numbers from Viana do Castelo, Loulé, Braga, Funchal, Cerveira, Moura, Portimão, Figueira da Foz, Porto, Lisbon, and Mirandela, confirming the strong interest the topic generates in schools, youth groups, and society in general.

Various national and international studies have shown a statistical increase in anxiety and depression among young people. At the same time, there is also greater awareness of the problem. Psychologist Rosário Costa explained that, although anxiety is also present in younger age groups—even among elementary school children—it is more common in older groups, when the ability to rationalize and self-awareness become more developed. “This greater awareness has also led more people to seek medical help,” the psychologist noted.

Acknowledging that it is sometimes difficult to “describe and identify the boundaries between the various types” of problems, Rosário Costa sought to identify genetic, psychological, environmental, and social factors, and to dispel certain myths and false beliefs on the subject.

The psychologist also presented tools for addressing anxiety in an educational setting, including various self-awareness and reflection techniques, breathing and relaxation exercises, role-playing, body scanning, positive visualization, group activities, and trust-building exercises, offering resources that educators can study and use.

A Strong Social Support Network Is Essential

One condition that has increased among young people in recent years is depression. António Rodrigues identified the early “negative and persistent” warning signs of depression in young people as “a loss of pleasure, a lack of energy and hope,” “as if the future could only be the same or worse.”

“Today, the prevalence of the condition ranges from 8 to 16 percent of the global population,” he stated. “Depression is currently the second leading cause of disability worldwide and is expected to become the leading cause by 2030.”

António Rodrigues explained that a multifactorial framework underlies this increase. Greater awareness, an aging population, and increased exposure to stressors—where social media also plays a role—are some of the contributing factors. “Depression is highly debilitating. The person is unable to envision the future. It is not a mood swing; it lacks the same volatility; in depression, that is not possible. Depression is a serious illness,” he continued. “There are various causes—genetic, hormonal, life events—that can trigger depression. It should not be confused with weakness of character or limitation,” the psychologist reiterated, noting that this stigma is often held even by those experiencing it.

For António Rodrigues, there is a “distortion of reality with overstimulation of the ideal and understimulation of self-perception.” He emphasized that in these cases pharmacological therapy is necessary and that “there are no quick fixes.”

Social Media and the Mental Health of Children and Young People

The importance of having a strong social support network and focusing on primary prevention was emphasized by both specialists. The audience, watching from home, had the opportunity to ask questions, and the speakers offered additional guidance by suggesting useful resources and warning signs to watch for.

The influence of social media on the mental health of children and young people was also addressed by several participants. Rosário Costa noted that in recent years, schools have been implementing certain rules. According to her, the changes introduced “have been well received” by schools. In this context, António Rodrigues added that “we are also trying to ensure that young people become aware of what is positive and what is negative.” “They themselves, at times, lack a critical perspective,” he explained. “And young people find it very difficult to regulate themselves and have great difficulty managing frustration,” added Rosário Costa.

Finally, the Editorial Director of “Salesianos Editora,” Fr. Rui Alberto, noted that the interest generated by “Mental Health of Young People: Recognizing to Accompany” and the webinar is a sign that people are “attentive” to the issue. “That is already a step forward,” he said. The Salesian priest also emphasized that the book is intended as an aid for educators, is easy to read, and should not replace “seeking specialist help.”

Source: Salesians of Portugal