“Being able to talk about emotions is fundamental”, begins by highlighting the guest of the latest episode of the “Por ti” podcast, Ruth Adamson. The truth is that young people and adults alike often say: “I’m not going to think about this now, maybe I’ll think about it later”. But what experts tell us is that when we don’t reflect on feelings and experiences, everything accumulates. This is where stress arises, trigger points arise and a layering effect is created that intensifies anxiety and harms well-being.
With the aim of mitigating these problems that affect mental health, the Zurich Foundation’s programs – and initiatives such as “For you” – aim to help society learn to deal with their emotions by feeling them, identifying them and facing them. The institution works with four strategic pillars that guide its action: mental well-being, promoting prevention among young people; social equity, focused on education, employability and entrepreneurship; adaptation to climate change, mitigating natural risks; and crisis response, offering humanitarian support. But Ruth emphasizes that, although mental health is universal, each community requires an approach adapted to its cultural and social context. That’s why the foundation builds partnerships with local experts who know the terrain, the young people and the specific challenges of each region.
“Sharing a problem halves it,” says Ruth Adamson.
Stigma and lack of funding
Despite advances, obstacles persist. Stigma still prevents many young people from opening up. “Even where I grew up I still hear people say: ‘In my day there weren’t these problems.’ Yes, there was. Maybe they just weren’t talked about,” recalls Ruth Adamson.
The lack of funding for prevention and promotion, as well as poor coordination between schools, families and communities, continues to limit the impact of initiatives that could transform lives. But, as Ruth reminds us, change starts with small gestures. Genuinely asking – for example – if someone else is okay can be revolutionary. “If the person responds: ‘I’m not well’, you can’t say: ‘Ah, never mind. Goodbye’. There has to be genuineness”, he explains. Being authentic in interactions, including on social media, is essential for the guest. “I’ve already trained my algorithm to show me real people, people waking up and filming themselves getting out of bed. Because, honestly, I wouldn’t be able to deal with constant perfection, it would drive me crazy, and I know that”, he shares.
Ruth Adamson also leaves a clear message: “The conversation is open. The door is open. Turn words into action” because every gesture, every word and every safe space built is a step towards stronger, more conscious and healthier communities.
Each episode of “Por ti” – an initiative by Zurich, which counts on Expresso as media partner – invited reflection on mental well-being, bringing solid and inspiring conversations, with the aim of contributing to broadening and deepening the dialogue on this topic in society.
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see Code of Conduct), without external interference.