Mental health is a critical component of personal growth, and support networks play a pivotal role in achieving this. In response to this need, Jorge Leonardo García Macías, along with his colleagues, created Nets, a project aimed at helping youth groups improve their mental health. García Macías, a second-semester Psychology student at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FACSA) of the Juarez University of Durango (UJED), explains that this initiative was born from the Diploma Young Leaders of La Laguna program.

“From the beginning we knew that we wanted it to be about mental health, but for some events that I passed with nearby people, we discovered that it would be of great help if it was based on the prevention of suicide.”

— Jorge Leonardo García Macías

The name “Nets” was chosen because it stands for “you are not alone,” emphasizing the importance of a supportive network for those struggling with emotional problems. This concept is particularly relevant in the context of youth mental health, where feelings of isolation can be exacerbated by the pressures of school, social media, and societal expectations.

In 2024, the project was launched with a campaign involving a psychologist and a volleyball team from Ciudad Lerdo. The team worked on identifying and managing emotions, which is a crucial skill for young athletes who often face intense pressure to perform.

García Macías noted that the main issue identified by the coaches was behavioral problems, which can be more intense in teenagers. The project addressed these issues by focusing on how individual behavior affects the group and the importance of a supportive network.

Currently, García Macías is promoting a group called Nets, which he considers a branch of the original project. This group is currently limited to FACSA-UJED but aims to expand its reach.

Future of Nets

Looking ahead, García Macías envisions Nets becoming a collective, similar to other mental health associations in the region, but with a focus on youth groups. He hopes to foster empathy, active listening, and reflection, which are the foundations of the club.

“I would like with this to work things such as empathy, active listening and reflection, which are the bases of the club that management now and that it was growing, so that there could be various spaces where networks were present, with allies in schools and civil associations.”

— Jorge Leonardo García Macías

One of the key challenges for Nets is ensuring that it can provide sustainable support without relying heavily on external funding. This is a common issue for many non-profit organizations, including those focused on mental health. García Macías and his team are exploring partnerships with local schools and civil associations to create a network of support that can sustain itself over time.

In the United States, initiatives like Nets could find parallels in programs such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Crisis Text Line, which provide immediate support to individuals in crisis. However, Nets aims to go beyond immediate support by fostering long-term mental health and resilience in youth groups.

One potential counterargument is the concern over the scalability of such initiatives. While Nets has shown promise in its local community, expanding it to a national level would require significant resources and coordination. García Macías acknowledges this challenge but remains optimistic about the potential impact.

“The success of Nets lies in its ability to create a sense of community and belonging, which is essential for mental health,” García Macías said. “By focusing on support networks, we can help young people navigate the challenges of adolescence and beyond.”

As Nets continues to grow, it will be important to monitor its impact and adapt its strategies based on feedback from participants and community partners. The project’s success could serve as a model for other communities looking to address youth mental health and suicide prevention.