Aguascalientes, Ags. October 9, 2024.- October 10 marks World Mental Health Day, a date dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of emotional and mental well-being worldwide. At the PanamericanaAlejandro Israel García Esparza, postgraduate coordinator of the School of Pedagogy and Psychology at the Aguascalientes campus, shares his vision on the evolution of mental health and the current challenges in this field.
Greater visibility for mental health
For Israel, World Mental Health Day plays a crucial role in making visible issues that in the past were considered taboo.Today, it is much more common for young adults to go to therapy. This is reflected in social networks, where more and more people are talking openly about anxiety and depression problems, which is positive because it helps to normalize mental health care," says Garcia.
Despite the advances, Israel points out that stigmas still persist, especially in the case of more severe disorders such as schizophrenia. "Although depression is more socially accepted, other disorders, such as schizophrenia, still generate fear and rejection. It is important to continue working to break down these stigmas," she explains.
Current challenges: access and equity
One of the main challenges in the field of mental health is access to psychological services. "Sometimes socioeconomic, race or gender conditions make it difficult to access quality service," she mentions. In addition, she comments that although public services exist, they are often saturated, which impacts both patients and mental health professionals.
In this context, the need for greater training and responsibility among psychologists is highlighted. He affirms that "if you study psychology you have to be a promoter of mental health, not only in your community, but in all the areas where you develop".
The responsibility of universities
He also commented on the crucial role universities must play in promoting emotional well-being. "Educational institutions have a responsibility to look after the mental health of their students. At Universidad Panamericana, for example, university life activities and protocols are implemented to address situations that may affect students' well-being," he explained.
Israel also mentions the future Psychology Labs being built on campus, which could be converted into a psychology clinic for students to practice while providing support to the university and external community.
In closing, Israel offers some tips for taking care of our mental health in a demanding environment. "It is normal to experience stress or anxiety, but it is important to be aware of warning signs, such as changes in appetite or sleep, or when stress affects your day-to-day life. Identifying these symptoms is the first step in seeking help and taking action," she recommends.
World Mental Health Day is an opportunity to reflect on our own mental health and that of those around us. At Universidad Panamericana, commitment to emotional well-being remains a priority, with initiatives that seek to support the university community on their journey to a better quality of life.
