Factors that can weaken mental health

• Family conflicts, losses, bullying, and social isolation.

• Lack of sleep, disorganized routines, excessive screen time, and constant social comparison.

• Academic pressure, financial difficulties, and unsafe environments.

Warning signs

• Marked changes in mood or behavior (irritability, persistent sadness, withdrawal).

• Loss of interest in friends, hobbies, or school; declining performance.

• Sleep and appetite problems; recurring physical complaints without a clear cause; difficulty concentrating.

Protective factors

• Regular sleep routines, balanced nutrition, and physical activity.

• Outdoor time, play, peer contact, and social skills development.

• Open dialogue about emotions at home and school, without judgment or taboos.

• Adults who model self-care and seek help when necessary.

How to act together (family, school, and health professionals)

• At home: listen carefully, validate what the child/teen feels, and adjust routines (sleep, screens, schoolwork, leisure). Seek guidance when signs persist and start interfering with daily life.

• At school: promote emotional literacy, prevent bullying, create quick communication channels with families, and facilitate early detection of difficulties.

• In healthcare: detect early, assess comprehensively (mood, sleep, performance, relationships), share clear plans with the family, and review interventions over time.

Where the pharmacist can add value (without excessive protagonism)

• Provide brief listening and practical guidance when questions arise.

• Clarify the safe use of pediatric medication when prescribed (dosage, interactions, side effects to monitor) and suggest local information resources.

• Help destigmatize seeking specialized help, reinforcing that “asking for help is care, not weakness.”

Key messages

• Small, consistent changes (sleep routines, less screen time before bed, outdoor time, regular conversations) have a big impact on well-being.

• The goal is not to “erase problems” but to recognize them early, provide ongoing support, and, when necessary, refer to those who can help best.

• Caring for mental health is part of overall child and adolescent care — the earlier the intervention, the greater the chance of a healthy and balanced path.