About 50% of mental illnesses start in adolescence. According to statistics provided by the World Health Organization, globally, 1 in 7 adolescents aged 10-19 experience a mental disorder, with half of these beginning to manifest around the age of 14. However, most disorders remain undiagnosed and untreated. Depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. The same report shows that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-19 year olds.
In Romania, about 22,000 children and adolescents live with a diagnosis of mental illness, and many others face various developmental, emotional or cognitive difficulties (source: Unicef Romania).
Considering the current situation and in order to meet the needs of adolescents and young people in terms of psycho-education, in 2018, the project “Mental Health Literacy” was launched in Cluj-Napoca.
In Bucharest, workshops on mental health topics began to be delivered by Inocenti psychologists in 2022, the direct beneficiaries being over 100 teenagers, students of the “Traian” Theoretical High School.
The program is structured in interactive sessions in which topics such as: stigma and myths regarding mental health, body image, emotions, anxiety, depression, strategies to cope with the symptoms associated with disorders, as well as the development of resilience are addressed.
Mental health literacy
Psycho-educational resources
Dedicated specialists
We seek to increase mental health information and awareness in the community through structured sessions delivered by Inocenti psychologists, with a focus on:
The Mental Health Literacy project is structured as follows:
At the same time we consider:
The ”Mental Health Literacy Program” takes place in the following schools and high schools:
In 2023 the Inocenti team together have supported:
Inocenti Foundation psychologists support children and adolescents with a series of materials adapted to their psycho-emotional needs, providing them with information, resources and strategies to manage symptoms associated with various mental disorders. These materials are useful for both parents and mental health professionals.
We bring to the attention of teenagers and their parents relevant information on six of the most commonly discussed mental health topics: ADHD, generalised anxiety, social anxiety, depression, specific phobias, anger and frustration management, body image and eating disorders.