UACJ mental health and digital wellness initiatives

The Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez (UACJ) has focused its academic initiatives on mental health and social well-being. The university hosted its fourth Social Work Conferences, where Rector Daniel Alberto Constandse Cortez emphasized mental health as a human right and highlighted the creation of the General Directorate of University Well-being.

Keynote speaker Dr. Adriana Ornelas Beltrán advocated for a social approach to mental health, noting that global concerns regarding anxiety and depression require looking beyond individualistic treatments to consider social contexts like family, work, and school.

Building on these themes, the university announced a forum for September 2 titled ‘Crecer entre pantallas: impacto en la salud mental de la infancia y la adolescencia’ (Growing among screens: impact on the mental health of children and adolescents). This event aims to address the effects of technology on learning, interpersonal relationships, and emotional well-being, specifically targeting issues such as cyberbullying and screen-induced anxiety. Academic Secretary Guadalupe Gaytán Aguirre stated the forum intends to involve parents, teachers, and authorities to inform future legislation regarding digital challenges.