World Mental Health Day is on the 10th of October every year, and it’s an important opportunity to raise awareness about mental health issues. This initiative began in 1992 thanks to the World Health Organisation, whose mission is to increase education and awareness around mental health while also challenging the stigma that still surrounds it.
In 2018, the theme for World Mental Health Day was “Young People and Mental Health in a Changing World”, shining a spotlight on the support needed by adolescents and young adults during a pivotal time in their lives.
As adults, there is so much we can do to support young people—but first we must understand how to approach their challenges with sensitivity and awareness.
Learning about Sophrology and how it supports both the mind and body can make a profound difference in how we view mental health and the tools we use to help.
Young People and Isolation
A BBC/Wellcome Trust survey of 55,000 young people aged 16 to 24 found that loneliness is surprisingly common in this age group. Social media doesn’t appear to help—despite having many online friends, young people often lack meaningful offline connections, contributing to feelings of isolation.
The “fear of missing out” can also heighten loneliness and anxiety, as social media can make other people’s lives seem more exciting or enviable. Navigating the pressures of an online world requires a strong sense of identity, as well as healthy boundaries around screen time.
With so much of life now possible online—sport, shopping, studying, working, reading, even socialising—young people may not spend enough time connecting in person. Encouraging them to get out of their comfort zones and meet others is vital. Whether through sport, local meet-ups, or simply talking to someone new each day, there are many ways to rebuild meaningful connection.
If you are a parent or work with young people, recognising early signs of social anxiety is essential so you can offer support before these feelings become overwhelming.
How Sophrology Helped Me Reconnect
As a teenager in Switzerland, I was busy with school and sports, yet something didn’t feel right. I often felt faint, exhausted, and unhappy. Despite medication prescribed by my doctor, nothing improved. Anxiety began to grow as I struggled to understand what was happening.
One day, my doctor suggested: “I think you should see a Sophrologist.” I had never heard of Sophrology before, but I was desperate for change.
Over five weekly sessions, my Sophrologist guided me through simple exercises involving breathing, relaxation, body awareness, and visualisation. She recorded them for me so I could practise at home. By the end of the sessions, not only did I feel physically energised again, but I also felt emotionally stronger and more empowered. The challenges that once felt overwhelming suddenly seemed manageable.
My confidence grew, my perspective broadened, and I was finally able to reconnect with others and make new friends.
Sophrology to Support Young People
Before the age of 15, no one had ever given me tools to care for my mental or physical health. I had no understanding of the mind–body connection or how to navigate stress, tension, or difficult emotions. It wasn’t until my body began to send distress signals that I was forced to look inward.
As a Sophrologist today, I see many young people facing similar struggles. They often feel isolated, overwhelmed by expectations from school, parents, peers, or society, and under constant pressure to achieve. Even high-performing students can feel paralysed by the fear of failure.
Many young people spend so much time planning for the future that they miss out on being present—on doing things simply for joy, connection, or curiosity. This can have long-term effects, leaving them unsatisfied or unable to enjoy their successes later in life.
This is where Sophrology becomes invaluable. It teaches young people how to connect within, gain perspective, and align their inner and outer worlds. It ensures that happiness and wellbeing don’t fall to the bottom of the to-do list.
Sophrology encourages inner freedom, reduces pressure, and supports self-development. It helps young people understand themselves better so they can truly thrive.
Because Sophrology is simple and accessible, young people quickly adopt it as a tool they can use independently in many life situations—from managing stress to preparing for exams. Most importantly, they learn to recognise their needs, strengths, and desires, developing the inner resources to confidently become who they truly are.