The II Congress on Emotional Well-being of Girona kicked off this Monday at the Palau Firal with the participation of professionals, families, and young people, in a context marked by the increase in mental health problems among the child and youth population in Catalonia.
Concern over the mental health of young people and children in Girona
Recent figures reflect a worrying situation. Almost one in three young students in Catalonia has had suicidal thoughts, 25.9% have self-harmed, and 10.6% have attempted suicide, according to the Social Observatory of the la Caixa Foundation. In the Girona region, data from the Department of Health indicate that 14% of minors between 6 and 14 years of age report a poor quality of life related to health.
Indicators show a worsening after the pandemic, with a significant increase in hospital admissions for mental health problems in the 10 to 19 age group
Congress brings together the educational and health community
The event, which is held over two days, brings together professionals, families, and young people, with a notable presence of students from local high schools. The institutional inauguration was attended by the mayor of Girona, Lluc Salellas, and the deputy mayor, Gemma Geis.
"This year has been emotionally very complicated for me. In tough times, the importance of caring and being cared for becomes most evident. That is why it is a source of pride for the city and the country that from Girona a Congress on Emotional Well-being has been promoted, the one I have the pleasure of inaugurating today" - Lluc Salellas, Mayor of Girona
"The Congress of Emotional Well-being is not a one-off event, it is a public policy with a transformative vocation. Girona was a pioneer when talking about emotional health was still a taboo, and today we are consolidating a model that puts people at the center and is already recognized as a good practice by other administrations" - Gemma Geis, Deputy Mayor of Girona
Program and New Initiatives at the Firal Palace
The congress, organized by the Girona City Council and Fira de Girona, combines conferences, round tables, open dialogues, and parallel activities. The program addresses topics such as mental health, aesthetic pressure, caregiving, and the impact of social media.
The inaugural conference was led by psychologist and emotional coach Joana Frigolé, focusing on emotional courage for self-care. During the morning, the exhibition "Camí de la salut mental" by illustrator Marta Marín was presented.
The creation of the Espai Cura Miren Garcia Franch has been announced, which will be permanently incorporated into the congress starting next year in memory of Miren Garcia Franch.
The congress will continue this Tuesday with new conferences, round tables, screenings, live radio spaces, and parallel activities.