- The pandemic is leaving a huge emotional, psychological and physical trail on young people, and realizing that a significant number of those calling the Phone of Hope in Gipuzkoa are between 18 and 30 years old, have launched a more comprehensive service: A Way. Young people can use this service anonymously to explain their emotions. “We all need a little push at some point in our life.”
In 2020, it was found that in eight years there had been a five-fold increase in the number of young people calling the Phone of Hope and a differentiated service has been organized for this age group. There are many ways to make the first contact: anonymous chat badabidebat.eus, email kaixo@badabidebat.eus, whatsapp (747 421 720) and free phone (900 840 335).
It is a service aimed at young people over 18 years of age, with the objective of sharing concerns and supporting decision-making. Faced with a difficulty (with friends, studies, partner, work, addictions, family members, social solitude, sexual orientation…) can contact Bada Bidebat anonymously. There will be a team of professionals who will try to listen and guide the youth, “helping them find resources, respecting the decisions and times of each one”. If necessary, a psychologist will also be involved.
The emotional impact of the pandemic
This service has cited several studies, reflecting the serious situation that the pandemic is leaving among young people. In the survey of 3,000 people in the Spanish State, for example, it was found that between 18 and 24 years of age the situation has affected more than in other age groups and that young people have suffered more from lack of hope, stress, fear, lack of control or discomfort.
They have also highlighted an investigation carried out in Navarra, in which 40 people participated. According to the same source, one in four young people has felt tension, stress or burnout during the pandemic and also regretted the loss of sleep, anger or hopelessness.