PROMOTING ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH: CHALLENGES AND STRATEGIES IN NURSING PRACTICE

Abstract

Introduction: Adolescence is a period marked by intense physical, emotional, and social transformations, making young people more susceptible to mental and emotional imbalances. Recent studies indicate that factors such as social vulnerability, violence, inequality, and lack of access to mental health services contribute to the increase in cases of depression, anxiety, and self-harm. In this context, nursing plays a fundamental role in the early identification of signs of psychological distress and in promoting strategies that favor the emotional well-being and healthy development of adolescents. Methodology: This is an integrative literature review, conducted between August and September 2025, in the SciELO, BVS, and LILACS databases. The descriptors “mental health”, “adolescents”, and “nursing” were used, combined with the Boolean operator AND. Complete articles in Portuguese, published between 2019 and 2024, addressing nursing strategies and challenges in promoting adolescent mental health were included. Results and Discussion: The study analyzed eight articles that highlighted the leading role of nursing in school and community settings, acting in health education, screening, and psychological support. The evidence reinforces the importance of multidisciplinary work, continuous training, and the creation of specific protocols for mental health care. They also indicate that participatory actions adapted to the sociocultural context increase the effectiveness of interventions and strengthen youth autonomy. Conclusion: It is concluded that the promotion of adolescent mental health by nursing requires interdisciplinary strategies, continuous training, and effective public policies. The nurse should be recognized as an essential agent in the prevention of mental disorders and in the construction of healthy and welcoming environments for the full development of young people.