We often hear the same questions every day: “How are you? How’s it going?” However, we rarely expect a sincere answer, as “I’m fine, and you?” has become an automatic response. Even when we are navigating a whirlwind of emotions, we tend to hide them for fear of making others uncomfortable, appearing dramatic, or causing worry. 

We have been led to believe that showing vulnerability is a sign of weakness. Instead of allowing ourselves to feel or discuss what we're experiencing, we often distract ourselves, hoping to avoid confronting the burdens we've carried for so long. This is rooted in the belief that enduring hardships is synonymous with strength, which fosters a "stronger society." Unfortunately, this mindset blurs the line between perseverance and merely enduring difficult situations, preventing us from acknowledging our emotions and seeking support when we most need it.

I grew up believing that if I ever raised my voice or expressed what bothered or upset me, I would be a burden to others. I thought it wasn't wise to share my feelings. This approach to managing my emotions led to an accumulation of unresolved feelings, as I tended to minimize situations that I deemed "not that big of a deal." Consequently, I lost confidence in myself because I didn't know how to communicate effectively. I also lost faith in others, as I felt they were not interested in listening to me. At the time, I didn’t realize this was a mistake, but over time, the consequences became apparent. When I was thirteen, I was diagnosed with gastritis, which developed into a severe case. At first, no one understood how this happened, as I had always been someone who ate well and exercised regularly. However, I noticed that every time I bottled up a strong emotion, my stomach would begin to hurt intensely. This experience taught me that we often pay less attention to mental pain than to physical pain, and many of us only recognize that something is wrong when we start to feel it in our bodies.

Esta situación cambió cuando me mudé a Armenia, una ciudad donde los jóvenes tenemos mucho que decir y, por lo mismo, luchar. Ahí conocí a Young Gamechangers una iniciativa que me enseñó sobre el liderazgo juvenil. Un motor  que me hizo  aprender que mi voz sí importa y lo importante que era comunicar mis preocupaciones y no solo las mías, si no la de los jóvenes de mi territorio porque me di cuenta que no estoy sola, qué dolencias por las que yo paso muchos más jóvenes también lo hacen y que necesitan espacios seguros donde sientan lo importante que es que puedan expresarse sin sentir miedo de  que los juzguen o invaliden, que puedan aprender herramientas de una buena  gestión de salud mental, donde se aprenda el  manejo del estrés de nuestra vida diaria y aprendemos nuevas habilidades para trabajar en los desafíos que nos enfrentemos, además de cultivar vínculos de apoyo en cuál podamos cobijarnos mutuamente.

Recognizing that decisions made in our communities directly affect our lives has led us to realize that it's not enough for young people to merely be considered; we also need spaces where our voices can truly be heard. This belief motivated us to explore new ways to enhance our leadership and develop proposals rooted in our own experiences. This journey led us to discover the Hub Conexión Juvenil (Youth Connection Hub), a platform that unites organizations and stakeholders from various sectors to promote the well-being of young people in Colombia. At the Hub, we found a venue to share experiences, lessons learned, and knowledge from different regions. Through the Mental Health and Well-being Working Group, we were able to explore the challenges young people face concerning their emotional and community well-being in greater depth.

This process resulted in the creation of the "Notebook of lessons learned and best practices for strengthening youth mental health in Colombia". This resource compiles valuable insights, experiences, and practices developed by various organizations across different regions of the country. It also presents challenges and opportunities for further enhancing the well-being of young people. More than just a collection of experiences, the Notebook aims to disseminate knowledge, highlight existing initiatives within local communities, and offer adaptable models that can be replicated in other settings. For us, this resource exemplifies what can be achieved when the voices of young people, organizations, and other stakeholders unite to build knowledge and transform it into a tool that contributes to improving the realities faced by young people.

As a leader, it is important for me to leave a legacy for the youth in my community. I want them to know they are valued and that it is our responsibility to create a better environment for future generations. We must maintain a territory that acknowledges their needs and provides a safe space where they can be vulnerable, fostering a support network for any young person who may need it.