The Next Pandemic: The Silent Impact of Mental Illness
- Israel Latin American Network
- Jun 2
- 2 min read
Child and youth mental health is facing an unprecedented crisis. Before the pandemic, 10% of children and 20% of adolescents experienced mental health disorders. Today, these numbers have alarmingly risen to 47%, according to WHO and UNICEF. The next major pandemic won’t be viral—it will be emotional and psychological.
Anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress are affecting new generations with unprecedented intensity. A CDC report reveals that 1 in 3 adolescents has experienced persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, while suicide rates have increased by 30% over the past decade.
One of the biggest challenges is children’s difficulty in expressing their emotions. Fear of social judgment, lack of trust, and insufficient tools to seek help hinder access to the support they need. This is where innovation becomes an essential ally.
“Antenas,” a project by the Antenas por los Niños Foundation, has developed an innovative solution: a virtual character operated by a psychologist who interacts empathetically and safely with children. Studies show children are up to 40% more likely to share their emotions when engaging with virtual characters in a controlled environment, facilitating early detection.
It is time to change our view of mental health. It should not be a luxury or reserved only for severe cases, but a priority for the holistic well-being of all children and adolescents. The key lies in early detection, access to emotional support, and fostering a culture that normalizes psychological care from childhood.
Innovation is not only in technology but also in how we face society’s greatest challenges. It is the responsibility of institutions, governments, and society as a whole to ensure every child and young person has the emotional tools necessary to thrive.
If we don’t act now, the next pandemic won’t be viral—it will be mental health.
Listen to the episode with Julia Niño de Rivera, Director of Antenas por los Niños:
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