”Talking about mental health amongst youth is important. It helps those amongst us that have an issue.”
Wilford, 18, Malawi
”It’s really important that no one downplays these problems, not even the young people themselves. It would also be important to do preventive work and talk about the mental health of young people.”
Vuokko, 18, Finland
Together we build a better world
Finnish and Malawian youth want safe spaces to be and talk. They want adults to listen to young people in decision-making. Young people need adequate mental health services, information and support.
The world changes when young people do well. Participate in the Taksvärkki campaign and support young people!
How are you doing?
We asked Malawian and Finnish young people about their thoughts on mental well-being. You can read their thoughts below on these campaign pages.
Over 20 young influencers from Malawi and Finland participated in making Taksvärkki’s How are you doing? campaign.
”Since I joined the youth club my life has changed a lot. I have learnt a lot that I did not know previously.”
Sumiya, 15, Malawi
”The mental well-being of young people is undermined by the fact that not everyone is accepted as they are.”
Terhi, 15, Finland
“In the future I want to advance my school. This would be possible, when I have good mental health.”
Wilford, 18, Malawi
“Spending time with your friends, you forget your mental problems.”
Luwiza, 17, Malawi
”Dare to do what you love. If you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it.”
Aapo, 15, Finland
”Community leaders, chiefs, religious leaders and any other structures should he helpful and open to hearing out the youth issues.”
Lightone, 30, Malawi
”We are young, after all. We have curiosity, which we should try to use to understand each other, not to mock each other.”
Marita, 15, Finland
“The community leaders, and other community structures should empower young people to speak up more about mental health issues.“
Saudyati, 18, Malawi
“Young people can help each other by being friends with those who are being bullied. It’s important to make sure that no one is left alone. “
Aapo, 15, Finland
“The issue of mental illness has been overlooked in Malawi. I would like to see the issue being talked about. “
Gift, 24, Malawi
“So the more you talk about mental health, the more you bring out our voices about these issues. And the more it’s going to give a lot of hope to young people all over the world, to also be able to overcome their mental health issues.”
Karen, 23, Malawi
”In Malawi, the topic about mental health is not really discussed. I feel like it’s a taboo.”
Shamiso, 24, Malawi
”If we create an environment where every young person can be open enough about issues they are facing, they can then be provided support to. So everybody has a role to play.”
Naomi, 23, Malawi
”The things that would help the youth to have the best mental health, is for them to be in the right social groups. And also, being involved in sporting activities.”
“The first step in easing your worries is to talk to someone you trust.”
Sumiya, 15, Malawi