During my time in Peru, I have observed that adolescent mental health is an important but often under-addressed community need. Teenagers navigate academic expectations, family obligations, and economic pressures while also developing their identities and planning for the future. In rural settings, limited access to mental health professionals and persistent stigma around discussing emotions can make it difficult for young people to seek support. Understanding this need has deepened my awareness of how emotional well-being is connected to overall community health and long-term development.
One community need I learned about in Yauyos is stronger mental health support for adolescents. Many teenagers here face significant pressure from school expectations, family responsibilities, economic stress, and uncertainty about their future opportunities. Some students also balance academic work with helping at home or working to support their families. While these challenges are not unique to Peru, access to mental health education, counseling services, and professional support is much more limited in smaller, rural communities. As a result, there are fewer formal spaces where young people can openly process their emotions or learn coping strategies.
