A new study reveals the collective unease that adolescents and young adults in Switzerland are feeling in light of the current state of the world. The study shows that, alongside the challenges of continued stigma regarding mental health and inadequate support, young adults are sensitive to the problems surrounding mental health and want to be part of the solution.
The study, conducted by the UNICEF-led Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, is based on the findings of a representative survey of more than
5,600 members of Generation Z (ages 14 to 25) in seven countries (Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, South Africa, Switzerland, the UK and the USA). In Switzerland, 400 people between the ages of 14 and 25 took part in the survey. The study sheds light on the effects of ongoing global crises on the mental health of adolescents and young adults. It shows that, along with the challenges presented by continued stigma and the gap between needs and services, young adults want to take on a leading role in addressing these challenges.
The take-home message for Switzerland:
- Young people feel overwhelmed by news and events: 52 percent of the respondents in Switzerland feel overwhelmed by news and events happening in their community, their country, and the world at large. This highlights the mental health burden brought on by ongoing global crises caused by climate change, armed conflict, economic instability and other global challenges.
- Continued stigma against mental health issues: 42 percent of respondents believe that there are negative views or prejudices toward people who speak about mental health in school. Likewise, 44 percent feel that such stigma exists in the workplace.
- Limited knowledge about resources: Just 43 percent of respondents are knowledgeable about where to find mental health resources and help, which shows significant gaps in access to support systems.
- Inadequate measures against stress: Just 42 percent of respondents find their methods for coping with stress, anxiety and overwhelm to be effective.
- The active role of schools and employers: 70 percent of respondents believe that schools should have a major role in supporting mental health efforts, while 54 percent believe that employers should address these challenges.
- Gen Z wants to take a leading role: 69 percent of respondents say that they should have a role in helping adolescents and young adults deal with the effects of stress, anxiety and overwhelm from news and events. One third say that they should have a leading role.
“We need to get rid of the stigma about mental health. This cannot happen until we, as a society, find the courage to speak openly about our feelings. That requires comprehensive awareness training – from school to the workplace,” says Nicole Hinder, Director Child Rights Advocacy, UNICEF Switzerland and Liechtenstein. “ Schools, businesses and policymakers in Switzerland have an equal obligation to provide awareness and sensitivity training.” Hinder adds that “young people want to be part of the process and we must consistently involve them. These programs can only be effective when young people have a say in their development. That’s why we call for participative development of programs promoting mental health and the removal of obstacles to seeking help. So that young people get the support that they need.”
Call to action
UNICEF invites businesses in Switzerland to join the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health. Members can turn the Coalition’s findings into action by supporting programs to remove stigmatization, improve access to mental health resources and raise awareness. Together, we can create a future where young people have access to the mental health resources and opportunities that they need.
