Arte autónomo en la crisis actual de salud mental en los jóvenes en Chile

Abstract

In the 21st century, mental health has globally emerged as a highly relevant issue, particularly among young people, who face significantly increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This thesis explores the impact of independent art as a tool for personal expression and support in the context of the youth mental health crisis in Chile. Through interviews with a group of young artists who practice creative activities independently, we analyze how the act of creating can positively influence their emotional well-being, facilitating emotional management and promoting personal development. The results underscore that independent artistic practice creates safe spaces for individual expression, fosters self-discovery, and contributes to developing resilience in the face of difficult situations. This analysis suggests that independent art has enormous potential as a tool to address youth mental health challenges, opening avenues for new psychosocial support strategies.