Spain’s Top Psychiatrist Warns of 2,000% Surge in youth Mental Health Crisis, Points to TikTok as a Major Driver
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A leading Spanish psychiatrist has issued a stark warning about the escalating mental health crisis among young peopel, citing a dramatic increase in cases linked to social media use. The physician,recently recognized by patients and colleagues on the Doctoralia platform as the best psychiatrist in Spain,highlights a concerning trend of emotional self-regulation difficulties.
The 33-year-old specialist, originally from Linares and trained at the Virgen del Rocío Hospital in Seville, has gained prominence through both a private practice in Seville and work at the Children’s and Youth Day Hospital of the Virgen de la Vega Hospital in Salamanca. Her observations come as Spain, like many nations, grapples with a surge in mental health challenges among its youth.
A 2,000% Increase in Demand for Mental Health Support
According to the psychiatrist, requests for mental health assistance from minors have increased by a staggering 2,000% in recent years. This surge is attributed to a confluence of factors, including increased intolerance to frustration, a demand for immediacy, excessive screen time, and the pervasive influence of addictions and social networks.
“If I had to choose a single concept, I would choose ‘difficulties in emotional self-regulation,'” the psychiatrist stated. “There has been a boom…and there is data that speaks of a 2,000 percent increase in requests for mental health assistance in minors in recent years.”
TikTok Singled Out as Notably Harmful
When asked about the specific social media platforms contributing to the crisis, the psychiatrist didn’t hesitate to name TikTok. “I would highlight TikTok,” she asserted. “It’s a drug without substance, they shoudl close it.” This strong condemnation underscores the growing concern among mental health professionals regarding the platform’s addictive nature and potential negative impact on young minds.
Rising Rates of Suicide and Self-Harm
The most alarming trend observed by the specialist is a meaningful increase in emergency care visits for minors at risk of suicide and self-harm. This rise is directly linked to the aforementioned difficulties in emotional self-regulation. the specialist emphasized that the inability to cope with frustration and navigate the pressures of modern life is driving more young people to crisis points.
The situation demands urgent attention and a comprehensive approach to address the underlying causes of this escalating mental health crisis. The specialist’s insights serve as a critical call to action for parents, educators, policymakers, and social media companies alike.
Why is this happening? A leading Spanish psychiatrist reports a 2,000% increase in mental health assistance requests from minors in recent years. This surge is linked to difficulties in emotional self-regulation, intolerance to frustration, a demand for immediacy, excessive screen time, and the influence of social networks.
Who is involved? the primary source is a Spanish psychiatrist recognized as the best in her field by Doctoralia. Those affected are minors in Spain experiencing a mental health crisis. Stakeholders include parents, educators, policymakers, and social media companies.
What is the core issue? The core issue is a dramatic rise in mental health problems among young people in Spain, specifically linked to social media use and a decline in emotional self-regulation skills. TikTok is singled out as a particularly harmful platform.
How did it end? The article doesn’t present a resolution. It concludes with a call to action for various stakeholders to address the escalating crisis and the underlying causes. The psychiatrist’s warning serves as a catalyst for
