Talking about distress before it becomes an emergency, and building a network capable of identifying vulnerability, loneliness and cries for help. That is the message launched by San Marino’s Commission for Youth Policies (Commissione per le Politiche Giovanili) on the occasion of World Suicide Prevention Day, with a particular appeal to younger generations and to the need to make mental health a stable, permanent part of public policy.
“Talking about mental health means addressing a delicate, complex subject that demands respect and responsibility. Above all, it means understanding that we cannot deal with distress only once it becomes an emergency. We must learn to talk about it beforehand — before a difficulty turns into isolation, before asking for help seems impossible, before a person feels they have no alternative,” reads the Commission’s statement.
Particular attention is being paid to young people and their psychological wellbeing. “The psychological wellbeing of young people cannot be addressed through simplifications, judgments or slogans. It requires listening, expertise, accessible services and a network capable of involving families, schools, professionals, associations, the world of sport and institutions.” The goal, the Commission stresses, must also be to make it normal to say “I’m not okay” and to ask for help, without this being seen as a sign of weakness.
The issue is also set to reach the floor of the Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale), where debate is imminent on the Arengo Petition (Istanza d’Arengo) calling for the creation of an integrated system for suicide prevention and support for people in psychological and emotional crisis. For the Commission, this represents “an important opportunity to bring the issue of mental health back to the centre of public attention.”
The debate, the Commission notes, must pay special attention to younger generations and to the possibility of identifying difficult situations early. “We cannot always wait for young people to find the courage, the words or the tools to ask for help. We adults, too, must learn to notice, to listen without judging and, above all, to know how to direct people towards those who have the skills to intervene.”
Hence the call to strengthen the connection between institutions, health services, schools, families, associations and sports organisations, engaging all the environments young people frequent every day. “Prevention cannot be the responsibility of a single actor. It must become a community responsibility,” the Commission reiterates, announcing its intention to keep promoting listening and dialogue and to continue working with services and professionals.
“Mental health must become an ordinary part of policies aimed at younger generations, not an issue we remember only in the face of an emergency or a tragedy,” the statement concludes. “Because prevention certainly means being able to rely on adequate services and trained professionals. But it also means building a community capable of seeing, listening and leaving no one behind. Not only today. Beforehand. Every day.”
