The Real Madrid Foundation recently hosted the latest session of the Luis de Carlos Forum, focusing on the critical issue of mental health protection for adolescents. Held at the Canopy by Hilton Madrid Castellana hotel, the forum convened mental health experts, educators, and sports professionals to discuss the increasing concern surrounding the emotional well-being of young people and to explore various solutions.
Dr. Celso Arango, the Head of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Gregorio Marañón Hospital, reported alarming statistics, stating, “One in five adolescents in Spain has harmed themselves in the last few years. Prevention is crucial. Early intervention in cases of depression and anxiety can significantly impact the future of our youth.”
Clinical psychologist Jesús Díaz Rocillo, a supervisor at Mentalia Montreal day hospitals, emphasized the need for a supportive environment for adolescents’ emotional development, particularly in light of the risks associated with social media. He remarked, “We must continue to raise awareness about the importance of fostering healthy emotional development in young people.”
Eva Molleja, the director of sports psychology at the Real Madrid youth academy, highlighted the dual role of sports in adolescent mental health. “Sport can act as a protective factor, but it also carries its own risks. Finding the right balance between these elements is essential,” she noted.
The forum was chaired by Enrique Sánchez, executive vice-president of the Real Madrid Foundation. Attendees included Álvaro Arbeloa, a Real Madrid legend and current youth team coach, who shared his insights: “I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Real Madrid Foundation and have witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by young people. Sport plays a vital role in addressing these issues.”
Adrian Silla, Head of Training at the Real Madrid Foundation, underscored the organization’s commitment to addressing mental health through education. “The Real Madrid Foundation has launched an educational platform called Sport Values Academy TV, where we share content related to the values we promote with young people facing difficulties in our projects. It’s crucial to establish synergies in the mental health process by creating tools and scenarios that help us tackle these challenges. If we don’t take responsibility and act, our discussions will merely remain theoretical, lacking real-world impact,” he stated.
This forum highlighted the collaborative effort required to address adolescent mental health, underscoring the importance of prevention, awareness, and the supportive role of sports in fostering emotional resilience among young people.
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