The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that mental disorders account for 16 percent of the global burden of disease and trauma among 10- to 19-year-olds. Half of all mental health disorders in adulthood occur as early as 14 years of age, but most cases go undetected and untreated. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO) report of 11 August 2020 "Youth and Covid-19: Impacts on Jobs, Education, Rights and Mental Well-being", the pandemic has had far-reaching effects on youth. They are particularly severe for young women and young people in low-income countries. ILO findings say that half of young people aged 18 to 29 are prone to depression and anxiety. The pandemic has had a considerable impact on the daily lives of young people. It has exacerbated mental health issues in everyone, but especially young people.

UNFPA Madagascar published in August 2020 the results of a survey of young people aged 15 to 35. This survey was carried out to assess the impact of Covid-19 on young people. The lack of leisure and the suspension of entertainment and sports activities were a great discomfort for 45.7 percent of young people during the lockdown. 39.7 percent of adolescents and young people reported growing mental health problems, the study finds.

These statistics suggest that the pandemic has weakened young people’s mental health and resilience. Even more vulnerability factors have been identified in Madagascar as young people face poverty, violence, stigma, and exclusion. During the waves of pandemic, they keep questioning their future but struggle to find answers in a context of uncertainty. How to remain resilient and face the post-covid crisis? It goes without saying that youth face several barriers when it comes to mental health and well-being. The topic is still taboo because everyone recognizes what they are going through but does not always dare to talk about it. Mental health awareness remains insufficient and is not being acknowledged.

In order to lift the taboo on mental health issues and promote young people’s good health, it is essential to grant easy access to mental health services to young people, so that at least the most vulnerable can benefit from psychosocial support during the pivotal periods of their lives. It is also worth noting and reminding that the well-being of the population is important for young people’s fulfilment. Young people must be listened to, and their opinions must be incorporated because they are the ones who will build, together with previous generations, the environments in which future generations will evolve. Thereupon, I think we need to talk about the importance of mental health in preschool classes. This will allow as many people as possible to pay more attention to the younger generation. The results of these preventive actions will be to identify possible sources of mental disorder as early as possible, and to address them as quickly as possible. Finally, young people must not forget that everyone is primarily responsible for their mental health. To maintain a healthy mind, you need to adopt healthy behaviors and never forget to take care of yourself. These are for me the keys to not suffering the lasting effects of the pandemic and to continue to live in the most fulfilled and resilient way possible!