The Health Councilor of the Bailén City Council, Alfonsa García, has announced that the Council's facade will be lit green this weekend to mark World Mental Health Day on October 10. This initiative aims to show support and raise awareness for individuals experiencing mental health issues and their families.
García stated that “mental health must be a priority in our society, especially concerning children, adolescents, and young people,” emphasizing the need to “continue creating spaces for listening, prevention, and support to detect situations of distress early and offer necessary assistance.” The councilor highlighted the responsibility of local administrations to make this reality visible, break stigmas, and provide information and resources to citizens.
The illumination of the municipal facade complements actions in Bailén by Salud Mental Andalucía and APAEM Salud Mental. These organizations set up an information booth at the Bailén Market and read a manifesto for the occasion.
Under the slogan «Haz match con tu salud mental» (Make a match with your mental health), this year's campaign focuses on the emotional and psychosocial well-being of children, adolescents, and youth. Data from the Community Mental Health Units of Andalusia show that in 2024, they attended to 65,915 individuals under 19, a 2% increase from the previous year and a 46.5% rise since 2018.
A study by the Observatory of Childhood and Adolescence of Andalusia indicates that 18.6% of the Andalusian population aged 11 to 18 reported feeling very sad in the past year, while 11.5% felt lonely most of the time. Economic inequality also reflects these experiences.
Salud Mental Andalucía calls for strengthening services and training for professionals, as well as clear protocols for risk detection and prevention of self-harm and suicidal behavior. The entity advocates for coordination among educational centers, health services, administrations, social organizations, and families, along with the participation of young people in designing support systems.
The proposal includes incorporating an emotional education subject in schools and improving early detection. Andalusia's Strategic Plan for Mental Health and Addictions 2026-2029 includes programs for emotional education, early detection of risk behaviors, and suicide prevention.
The Federation reminds that mental health is influenced by factors such as housing, employment, violence, and loneliness. It calls for a comprehensive response combining healthcare with social policies, reinforcing prevention in digital environments, and combating addictions.
