The mental health of teenagers and young people in Colombia is going
through a serious crisis.
In the last decade, cases of anxiety, depression, and
self-harm have increased a lot, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), between
10% and 13% of teenagers show symptoms of depression or anxiety. UNICEF
warns that not giving early attention to these problems affects not only
emotional well-being but also long-term educational and social development.
In Colombia, there are many initiatives and organizations working in areas
where young people face big challenges. Although these groups do important
work, there are not enough of them to meet the size of the problem. Youth
mental health is still an urgent priority that needs more coverage, resources,
and public attention.
The Offer Map from the Unit for Victims shows the variety and reach of
programs in Colombia that support children and teenagers affected by
violence and other risks. It includes information about public and private
organizations, foundations, and NGOs that provide help in education,
protection, health, community development, and risk prevention. Even though
many of these projects are not focused directly on mental health, their
presence in different regions of the country shows how serious and complex
the situation is. It also highlights the need for specialized programs, such as
those offered by Yumakids. This map shows that the response to youth well-
being is fragmented—it reveals the efforts that already exist, but also the big
gaps that still need urgent attention.
Violence in Colombia has left a deep mark on the country’s collective mindset.
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