Investing in Future Minds Through a Children’s Lens

25 Sept

Written by Beto Carvalho

CEO of Soulbeegood, Vertentes Ecossistema de Saude Mental, Brazil and Co-Chair of the GMHAN Working Group on Environment, Climate Change and Mental Health

Introduction: We stand at a critical juncture in history. More than half of the world’s children live in G20 countries, yet their rights, mental health, and well-being remain severely underrepresented in global policy agendas. Amid rising inequalities, the climate crisis, and slow progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the mental health of future generations is at risk. The global cost of mental health conditions is projected to exceed USD 6 trillion by 2030, with an additional USD 1 trillion lost annually in productivity due to poor mental health. The annual loss in human capital due to lack of treatment is estimated at USD 390 billion per year.

The Adolescent Suicide Crisis

Suicide is now one of the three leading causes of death among adolescents aged 10 to 19, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression are on the rise, exacerbated by factors like cyberbullying, academic pressure, and limited access to appropriate care. This issue is particularly alarming in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where 75% of young people with mental health conditions do not have access to mental health services.

Humanitarian Emergency

According to a recent UNICEF report, the ‘cost of inaction’ for failing to address the mental health needs of children and adolescents across the 66 countries with medium to very high risk for humanitarian emergencies totals US$203 billion (in 2022). The 26 countries with a very high risk for humanitarian crisis included in the cost of inaction analysis would experience the highest economic costs, losing the equivalent to US$106 billion in potential lifetime earnings. Failing to address the mental health needs of the 25.8 million children and adolescents who were affected but not forcibly displaced by emergencies and who live with mental health conditions would result in US$151 billion of lost earnings over their lifetime. Without further action, the 7.6 million crisis-affected children and adolescents who were forcibly displaced in 2022 and live with mental health conditions would be projected to lose US$52 billion in lifetime earnings.

Immediate Action is Imperative

These challenges have long-term consequences. Untreated mental health issues during adolescence result in barriers to educational, professional, and social development, negatively impacting future economic and social outcomes. Investing in student mental health yields tangible returns: better academic performance, higher retention rates, and lower dropout levels. When students graduate on time and enter the workforce confidently, everyone—from institutions to investors—benefits. Mental health support isn’t just ethical; it’s a smart financial decision.

Systemic Transformation: Youth Innovation and Strengthening Social Bonds for Sustainable Impact and Economic Prosperity

Children and youth are key drivers of innovation and transformation. Their creativity, energy, and resilience have the potential to address global challenges. Moreover, strengthening the social fabric and meaningful relationships is an essential pillar for promoting well-being and sustainable development. Healthy social interactions and the creation of emotional support networks enhance happiness and reduce isolation, which is directly linked to rising mental health issues. These connections are fundamental to achieving a successful systemic transformation.

Unlocking students' full potential requires more than piecemeal solutions. It’s about providing means to foster community connectedness, but above all individual and cognitive social connectedness. Individuals with good quality relationships are consistently seen to have better mental health.

Together, educational institutions and corporate partners can implement programs that make mental well-being and resilience a foundation for success.

Return on Investment (ROI)

WHO estimated that every US$ 1 invested in scaling up treatment for depression and anxiety leads to a return of US$ 4 in better health and ability to work, generating both the health and economic benefits of investing in treatment of the most common forms of mental illness globally. Overall companies on average receive a $5 return for every $1 invested in employee mental health and wellbeing. This is reflected in reduced healthcare costs, increased productivity, and improved educational outcomes. Beyond economic impact, strengthening social connections and leveraging the transformative power of youth will create more inclusive, resilient, and innovative communities, prepared to face 21st-century challenges.

Youth as Catalysts for Innovation and Transformation

Our children, adolescents, and youth are facing an unprecedented mental health crisis—yet they remain the most overlooked and underfunded population. Why? Because they don’t have a seat at the table. While they will bear the long-term impact of today’s decisions, their voices are silenced. It’s time for a radical shift. Mental health isn't a ‘side issue,’ it's the backbone of our future. We need bold investments now, not tomorrow, to ensure these young voices are heard, protected, and empowered. The future can't wait.

Children and youth are not only the future; they are agents of change in the present. Their ability to innovate, connect with their communities, and build meaningful support networks is what makes this transformation possible.

Investing in their mental health is investing in the foundation of a sustainable future. Strengthening these social connections, combined with the transformative power of youth, will create a more robust social fabric, capable of withstanding future crises and promoting long-term prosperity for all. When students are mentally and emotionally supported, they focus better, retain information, and perform academically—benefits that ripple across all educational systems and society alike.

The future of mental health lies in child-led investing. By empowering young people to lead the way in shaping their own mental health solutions, we ensure real, impactful change. This approach makes public policies more inclusive and responsive, bringing young voices to the forefront of decision-making.

Youth-led engagement doesn’t just address mental health—it drives socioeconomic development, improves education outcomes, and fosters long-term sustainability. By investing in their mental health today, we’re equipping the next generation to be the resilient, creative leaders of tomorrow.

Child-led investing is the key to building a future where mental health is central to well-being, success, and societal growth. It’s more than an investment in young minds—it’s an investment in a thriving world.

Why Investing in Mental Health Is the Best Investment:

In Schools

Supporting student mental health fuels a culture of innovation and leadership. When students feel valued, they engage, contribute, and excel. This engagement doesn’t just enrich their communities; it boosts the reputation of all enabling and anchor organizations and institutions committed, including schools, universities, local community business and corporate partners, attracting top talent and strengthening relationships with key stakeholders. For every US$ 1 invested in school programs to prevent anxiety, depression, and suicide, there can be a return of US$ 21.50 in economic benefits over 80 years.

In Humanitarian settings UNICEF evaluated the costs and benefits of MHPSS interventions for children and adolescents. Data shows that mental health treatment programs based on Community-based group therapy can generate a return ratio 39:1. Prevention interventions based on School-based group CBT can yield a return of 57:1. Finally, promotion strategies based on School-based Socio Emotional Learning (SEL) skills education generate a global benefit- cost ratio of 225:1. School-based social emotional learning skills education offers a particularly strong benefit-to-cost ratio across all countries at risk for humanitarian emergencies. The economic benefits of investing in MHPSS across the mental health continuum strongly outweigh the implementation costs.

At Workplace

The WHO estimates that for every dollar invested in mental health, there is a return of USD 4-5 in productivity and healthcare savings. Companies that prioritize mental well-being see up to a 14.9% reduction in turnover, creating a more loyal and engaged workforce. By addressing mental health issues, businesses can reduce unplanned absences by 4x, significantly lowering absenteeism rates and associated costs. Moreover, investing in mental health support helps lower medical expenses, as untreated mental health conditions often lead to higher healthcare use. Prioritizing mental well-being fosters a positive work environment, increasing job satisfaction and reducing the stigma around seeking help. In short, a healthy mind leads to a healthier, more productive organization.

Conclusion: A Future Transformed by Youth

Youth are not just the future—they are the driving force behind the solutions to today’s mental health challenges. In every proposal we present, young people take center stage as agents of change. They are the leaders in building community-based ecosystems, creating safe spaces and peer networks that foster resilience and well-being. They are the innovators, shaping accessible and disruptive digital platforms focused on promotion and prevention, in schools, communities and businesses. Codesign with youths equitable and innovative care paths that offer accessible and immediate mental health support. Moreover, youth are at the forefront of advocacy efforts, pushing for global and national policy changes to recognize mental health as a fundamental human right. They are deeply involved in research and innovation, ensuring that mental health interventions are culturally relevant and impactful for their generation.

By investing in youth, we are not only securing their future, but the future of society as a whole. They have the power to transform practices and policies, creating a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable mental health landscape.

This is the time to act. By investing in the mental health of children and adolescents, we are amplifying their transformative power and creating a more connected, equitable, and innovative society. The impact will be felt for generations, as we strengthen the social fabric and give young people the tools to lead this change.

Now is the moment to act. Let us ensure that children and young people worldwide not only survive but thrive. Investing in mental health, building resilience is investing in the future of humanity to thrive.