How important is adolescent mental health?

Mental health disorders have steadily increased in recent years, with children and adolescents being particularly affected. However, the stigmatization and taboo surrounding mental illness have resulted in a lack of educational and preventive programs. Our workshops close this gap in care by encouraging students and teachers to engage in an open approach to mental well-being. In doing so, not only the young people themselves benefit from the content of the workshops.

The students, as well as the teachers and our workshop leaders, serve as ambassadors for the mental health of children and adolescents. They help raise awareness of the importance of mental health in our society and empower more people to engage openly with mental illness.

The work of Kopfsachen is characterized by the combination of scientific grounding and practical skill development. The workshops were designed in close collaboration with Humboldt University Berlin and with continuous input from young people. This approach ensures that our programs are both aligned with the latest research and tailored to the needs of our target group.

Unlike other organizations, we do not focus solely on providing information about mental health disorders. We also promote the practical development of young people’s mental health skills. In addition, we place great value on the professional training of our workshop leaders and on engaging with young people on an equal footing.

Kopfsachen pursues the vision of a society in which all people are empowered to engage openly and competently with mental health. We aim to create an education system that transforms from being a source of stress into a resource for children and adolescents, with schools becoming places that actively promote mental well-being. Achieving this goal requires structural changes to the framework of our education system.

We need to move away from a strong focus on grades and the associated pressure on children and adolescents. Instead, the focus should be on developing potential and activating resources. Dedicated spaces must be created where young people can build the skills necessary for self-determined living and be supported in the healthy development of a resilient personality.

The pictures show excerpts from a Kopfsachen workshop. Pupils are asked about their feelings and needs.