MENTAL HEALTH AND SOCIO-EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS: A REVIEW FROM THE SCHOOL CONTEXT

Abstract

In the educational context of today's society, the emotional well-being and mental health of children and adolescents have become a priority concern. The Colombian Ministry of Health, in its official reports, reports that between 2019 and 2023, more than 1,186,000 cases of depression were registered in Colombia. The highest rate in 2023 was in the 15-19 age group. To study this problem, internal factors were taken into account, which may or may not be genetic pathologies, which generate stress, anxiety, and depression. External factors such as difficulty regulating emotions, dysfunctional family dynamics, and the inappropriate use of technologies have significantly impacted the emotional balance of students. This bibliographic review article aims to address, from a narrative perspective, the historical and conceptual background of depression and anxiety, their manifestations in adolescents, and their relationship with the school environment. In addition, review programs and intervention strategies in the educational field, as well as the role of teachers and families in promoting a culture of well-being using the method of a review of scientific literature (reports ministerial reports, INS bulletins, SciELO/Elsevier publications, relevant journalistic notes, and international documents) until August 12, 2025, with the purpose of synthesizing and analyzing the available theory on depression and anxiety in adolescents enrolled in school in Colombia, identifying a sustained increase in mental health problems among Colombian youth in recent years, focusing special attention on associated factors and intervention strategies implemented in the educational context. The results found after the 2023 National Mental Health Survey are that one in 25 adolescents has suffered from a mental disorder. Likewise, 13 percent of those surveyed reported having three or four symptoms of anxiety and 16 percent more than four symptoms of depression.