Mental health requires daily care, ranging from conversation and sports to seeking professional help. In this context, the Faculty of Information Sciences hosted the session "Mental Health 360º. Beyond Therapy" on October 6th, organized by the startup OpenMind. The event brought together psychologists and experts to raise awareness about an issue affecting increasingly younger ages, also featuring Vicente del Bosque, coach of the 2010 World Cup-winning Spanish national team.
Psychiatrist Edu Vera compared mental health to a filling glass, emphasizing that neglect can lead to overflow. High school teacher Jesús Chico corroborated this trend, stating that "more and more boys and girls in secondary and high school education need emotional education and closer support."
Jesús Chico suggested that the abusive use of mobile phones and social media might be a factor behind this early vulnerability, linking excessive use to anxiety, stress, lack of concentration, and learning difficulties. He warned that excessive concern for personal image and cyberbullying can even lead to "self-harming thoughts, even suicide," prompting some schools to prepare intervention protocols.
However, clinical psychologist Joaquina Soltero highlighted a positive aspect: younger generations show greater "openness to ask for help and talk about what you feel," normalizing these conversations. Technology, though sometimes criticized by Edu Vera in favor of a "good hug," also emerges as an ally. The startup OpenMind has developed applications, particularly for athletes, and its CEO, Iván Pernía, introduced "Empatía," an emotional assistant designed to monitor mood and suggest activities like meditation or sports, or refer users to professionals if needed.
Vicente del Bosque, a collaborator with OpenMind, stressed the importance of emotional balance in life and sports, recalling the 2010 World Cup final as an example of the need to maintain composure under pressure. He recommended listening to and consulting mental health professionals.
At the opening, Professor Fernando Peinado, vice-president of the Madrid Sports Press Association, and the dean of Information Sciences, Ángel Luis Rubio, emphasized the relevance of mental health for everyone and the responsibility of communication professionals in reporting rigorously. Rubio mentioned the existence of the UCM's Psicall service and encouraged active listening when asking "How are you?".
