How to support youth mental health
According to HundrED youth ambassadors, the most important step that can be taken to help youth mental health is to de-stigmatize mental health and encourage youth to seek appropriate support. Raquel, 16-year old youth ambassador from Mexico, emphasizes, “Too often, young people feel like they have to hide what they’re going through because they fear being labeled as ‘weak’ or ‘dramatic’. When teachers, parents, and peers talk openly about stress, anxiety, or depression without stigma, it creates an environment where youth feel safe to share their struggles. Normalizing these conversations helps shift the focus from shame to support, which can encourage more students to seek help earlier”.
“When teachers, parents, and peers talk openly about stress, anxiety, or depression without stigma, it creates an environment where youth feel safe to share their struggles.”
Cheska, a 18-year old youth ambassador from the Philippines, also points out that youth mental health must be prioritised as equal to physical health: “Systemically, youth mental health must be treated as a priority equal to physical health, with services and policies designed to reduce stigma, provide resources, and ease academic and social pressures.”
Undoubtedly, education can play a major role bridging access to mental health resources. “Educators, teachers and school staff are pivotal to youth's growth in the classroom and their well-being. Acting as a bridge to professional help, not providing therapy or diagnose what is ‘wrong’ with the student, is not helpful for the students themselves. Instead, knowing the common signs of distress or simply being the person they can come to to seek for their help can be a protective factor for a youth's mental health.” shares Tsam, a 17-year old youth ambassador from Hong Kong.
“Systemically, youth mental health must be treated as a priority equal to physical health, with services and policies designed to reduce stigma, provide resources, and ease academic and social pressures.”
While many youth ambassadors call for an increase in professional mental health support from trusted adults, Lavanya, a 14-year old youth ambassador from India, offers a different suggestion, encouraging youth to come together through peer support: “To support youth mental health, I feel that youth should band together to help with these issues, as sometimes people feel that they aren't understood as well by adults. Creating platforms for youth to discuss their problems will help them feel heard and understood, and the consolation, comfort, and suggestions will benefit them positively.”
“When schools value art, play, and expression as much as exams, they give students tools to cope with challenges, build resilience, and grow with confidence.”
Ayush, a 17-year old youth ambassador from India, emphasises that creativity and artistic expression in school settings can also act as a support: “When schools value art, play, and expression as much as exams, they give students tools to cope with challenges, build resilience, and grow with confidence. A kind word or a chance to express through creativity can sometimes change a young person’s whole perspective”.
Messages to other youth struggling with mental health:
“You are not alone in this struggle, and it does not define your worth. It’s okay to ask for help, to rest, and to share how you feel. Small steps—like talking to a trusted friend, journaling, or taking breaks—can make a big difference. Healing takes time, but you are stronger than you think.” Fizza, 14-year old youth ambassador from Pakistan
“To other youth struggling with mental health, I would say this you’re not broken, you’re human and neuroscience gives us hope. The brain is resilient, and science shows us that with the right support and strategies, healing is possible. You don’t have to carry this weight alone. Small steps like talking to someone, practicing self-care, or simply resting can slowly rewire your brain toward balance as someone who 4 years ago struggled with mental health. We should look up for help and prioritizing ourselves, helping others if we can and search for professional aid.” Emily, 17-year old youth ambassador from Peru
“You're not alone in this. Maybe you don't see it now, but you have a long path to walk and a lot of achievements in your life. Ask for help, ask for help is such a brave act, you don't have to keep your problems for yourself, always look for help, and trust that everything is gonna be fine someday, and never doubt about you, I promise you, that there will always be a light in your life, and always keep the hope. Remember there's no rainbow without rain ✨🌈 you matter and you are special.” Huitzil, 16-year old youth ambassador from Mexico
“To every young person fighting invisible battles, please remember that your worth is not defined by your struggles. It’s okay to not be okay all the time. Healing is not a straight line, and strength is not the absence of pain but the courage to face it, again and again. You are not behind. You are not broken. You are human, and that is enough. Please reach out, to a friend, a teacher, or even a stranger who listens. Sometimes, hope doesn’t arrive as light. Sometimes, it comes as a hand reaching toward you in the dark. Take it. You deserve to be here.” Anakya, 16-year old youth ambassador from Indonesia
“Breathe. Take it one step at a time. You may not be where you want to be now, but you'll get there. There's always light at the end of the tunnel. A lot of people may not understand what you're going through, but you are not alone. Never forget that!” Maya, 15-year old youth ambassador from Nigeria
