El Cabildo de La Palma implementa programa preventivo en salud mental para población infanto juvenil
The initiative, launched by the Technical Unit for Minors of the Social Action Service, focuses especially on individuals affected by the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano.
The Cabildo de La Palma, through the Technical Unit for Minors of the Social Action Service led by Ángeles Fernández, implements a preventive mental health program for the child and youth population of the island, particularly targeting those affected by the eruption of the Tajogaite volcano.
“With this project, we aim to provide the child and youth population of the island and their families with an educational preventive resource that enhances mental health care for children and adolescents,” explains Ángeles Fernández. She adds that this program is funded by the Senate and the Cabildo de La Palma and will run for three years, with the possibility of a one-year extension.
The initiative will involve three psychology professionals, as well as a social worker, and will soon incorporate two social educators, professionals who will have a greater presence in the municipalities affected by the volcano.
Importance and necessity of the initiative
This project aims to prevent mental health issues and provide psychosocial support to children and adolescents in La Palma, considering that this sector of the population, especially in the Valle de Aridane, is facing a particularly traumatic situation that exacerbates existing problems or triggers new ones due to the volcanic emergency.
In addition, the data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that one in four individuals will experience a mental disorder in their lifetime. By age, 50% of mental health problems in adults start before the age of 15, and 75% before the age of 18, “making early intervention crucial to prevent these situations in the young population of the island,” explains the counselor.
According to the WHO, the causes of mental health issues are varied and can result from a combination of genetic, psychological, and environmental factors. Furthermore, the increase in mental disorders in childhood and adolescence can be attributed to multiple factors such as increased academic, work, and social pressure; decreased family support in upbringing; a society marked by immediacy, as well as the aftermath of COVID-19 or constant exposure to social media, among others.
Several sources indicate that childhood is currently experiencing greater psychoaffective problems, coupled with families feeling overwhelmed and lacking the tools to face the challenges of parenting.
