The Social Incubator Association (ATSI) launches the campaign “Some Doors Lead to You”, an awareness and information initiative that brings youth mental health in Romania into the spotlight and highlights the urgent need for real, stigma-free, and shame-free access to support.

Youth mental health is not a niche topic, nor one that can be postponed. Most mental health challenges emerge before the age of 24, and nearly half of adolescents report having experienced suicidal thoughts at least once. At the same time, Romania’s suicide rate among adolescents under 15 is above the European average – a reality that calls for action, not silence.

Beyond statistics, many young people face a lack of resources, limited access to services, and the absence of a clear, easy-to-navigate support system. For many of them, the barriers are not only logistical, but also cultural. From an early age, they are taught “not to bother,” to keep their pain to themselves, and not to ask for help. Silence, shame, and fear of judgment keep many young people “inside,” even when it hurts inside.

The campaign is built around a simple yet essential message: mental health must be an open topic, discussed with care, responsibility, and without stigma. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a natural step toward oneself. Beyond the door a young person may hesitate to open, there may be people, support, and solutions.

Beyond its message, the campaign also provides a practical tool: a centralized list of 19 organizations and resources in Romania that offer free or affordable therapeutic support, both online and offline, specifically for young people. All information is available in one clear and accessible place: https://asociatiasocialincubator.org/unele-usi

The goal is to shorten the distance between “I need help” and “I know where to go.”

“In our direct work with young people, we see every day how difficult the first step is: saying ‘I need help.’ Not because the desire for support is missing, but because shame, fear of judgment, and the lack of clear information keep many young people silent. The ‘Some Doors Lead to You’ campaign is not about abstract solutions, but about real, human, and responsible access to support. We want no young person to remain alone simply because they don’t know which door to knock on.” Aniela Firulovic, Director of Community & Transformation, The Social Incubator Association

“Emerging adulthood (ages 18-30) is a critical period for mental health, but too often support systems are difficult to navigate or out of reach. We support this initiative because we share the belief that prevention starts with accurate and accessible information, and that support must be built around the real needs of young people. Our partnership with The Social Incubator Association allows us to contribute to a responsible message that normalizes asking for help and reduces the stigma surrounding mental health.” Annika Sten Pärson, Founding Partner & Executive Chair, The Inner Foundation.