Mental health literacy: Challenges and opportunities to transform knowledge into action

Authors

Keywords:

Mental Health, University Students, Health Literacy, Psychological Stress

Abstract

Mental health has gained increasing importance worldwide due to the rise of common disorders such as depression and anxiety, which are now among the leading causes of disability. In the university setting, academic pressure and high training demands affect students’ psychological well-being, highlighting the need for preventive approaches. Mental health literacy (MHL) emerges as an educational tool aimed at strengthening personal and social resources to cope with stress, recognize signs of distress, and seek timely help. It promotes openness, reduces stigma, and fosters a culture of peer support. Integrating MHL into higher education, with a digital focus and coordination with health services, represents an effective measure to improve psychological well-being and reduce gaps in mental health care within the university community.

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Author Biography

Edwin Gustavo Estrada-Araoz, Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios. Puerto Maldonado, Perú.

Doctor en Educación. Maestro en Administración de la Educación y en Psicología Educativa. Maestría en Políticas y Gestión de la Educación y Licenciado en Educación Primaria. Docente de pregrado en la Universidad Nacional Amazónica de Madre de Dios y ha sido reconocido como investigador RENACYT por el Consejo Nacional de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación Tecnológica – CONCYTEC, Perú.

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Published

2026-01-12

How to Cite

1.
Estrada-Araoz EG. Mental health literacy: Challenges and opportunities to transform knowledge into action. Rev. cuba. med. mil [Internet]. 2026 Jan. 12 [cited 2026 Jan. 14];55(1):e026077125. Available from: https://revmedmilitar.sld.cu/index.php/mil/article/view/77125

Issue

Vol. 55 No. 1 (2026): January - March (In progress)

Section

Letter to the Editor

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Copyright (c) 2026 Edwin Gustavo Estrada-Araoz

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