In Albania, mental health professionals are observing a concerning rise in mental health issues among young people. Psychologists and psychiatrists attribute this trend to societal changes and identity crises faced by Albanian youth, which have led to increased stress and the emergence of mental health challenges.
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Albanian society has undergone significant transformation since the fall of communism 34 years ago, creating complex pressures that affect young people daily. Corruption and nepotism in both public and private sectors make it challenging for young Albanians to find secure employment. In some cases, paying thousands of euros is required even to secure jobs as teachers or doctors, pushing many young people to emigrate in search of better opportunities. Those who remain often find themselves underpaid or trapped in stressful situations, further contributing to mental health issues.
Psychiatrist Dr. Gjon Preçi explains to VOA that young people face daily stressors, including the pressures of emigration, substance abuse, and the demanding nature of social media. “Many young people live almost entirely online, spending their nights on social media and sleeping during the day—a pattern that disrupts biological growth and can lead to chronic stress and mental health disorders, ranging from mild stress to severe psychoses,” he shares. This issue is especially evident among young people returning from emigration, some of whom come back with severe mental health issues due to prolonged stress, substance abuse, or even imprisonment.
Psychologist Fatjon Taipi notes that these issues reflect broader societal challenges. He explains that in their journey to shape their identities, young people often choose one of two paths. One path focuses on their unique personalities, potentially causing mental health issues if challenges arise. The other path involves adopting social group identities and behaviors, some of which may be harmful or even illegal. This struggle to find a stable identity in an unpredictable social landscape frequently leads to stress and mental health problems.
The prevalence of crime among young people in Albania also indicates deeper social and psychological issues. According to the Albanian Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), people aged 18-29 committed 10,472 crimes in 2023, accounting for 26.5% of all crimes in Albania. Additionally, 1,758 young people from this age group are currently incarcerated, 203 more than in 2022. Experts emphasize that many of these cases involve underlying mental health disorders.
The "Enhancing Access to Mental Health Support for Youth" program, a partnership with organizations from France, North Macedonia, Poland, Cyprus, and Greece, highlights the persistence of misunderstandings about youth mental health in Albania. Program coordinator Klodiana Serraj notes that talking about mental health remains taboo, influenced by social stereotypes. “Mental health is often misunderstood as something other than a common illness, though it is like any other medical condition.”
Dr. Preçi points out that while diagnosing mental health issues is straightforward, treatment remains challenging and prolonged. Limited access to mental health services, especially for families in remote areas, complicates the situation. Services are often centered in urban areas, making it difficult for those in distant regions to obtain necessary support.
UNICEF studies highlight that mental health issues affect approximately 20% of adolescents worldwide, and three out of four adult mental health problems begin during childhood or adolescence. In Albania, these findings underscore the importance of addressing youth mental health and breaking down societal taboos. Providing accessible mental health support and raising awareness could alleviate the increasing strain on Albania's youth, helping them navigate societal challenges and build healthier futures.