Portuguese actress Bárbara Norton de Matos publicly expressed concern for her daughter’s mental wellbeing in a recent interview, revealing anxieties about the pressures facing young people today. The disclosure,made on November 1,2024,has sparked a wider conversation about adolescent mental health in Portugal and the challenges parents face in supporting their children’s emotional needs.
Norton de Matos, known for her roles in Portuguese television and film, shared her worries during an appearance on a program broadcast by Correio da Manhã.She indicated growing apprehension regarding the impact of social media and academic expectations on her daughter’s psychological state. While she did not detail specific diagnoses or incidents, the actress emphasized the importance of open interaction and seeking professional help when necessary.
The actress’s comments come amid rising rates of reported anxiety and depression among adolescents in Portugal, mirroring a global trend. According to data released by the Portuguese Directorate-General for health in October 2024, cases of mental health concerns among individuals aged 10-19 have increased by 15% since 2020. Experts attribute this rise to a combination of factors,including increased academic pressure,cyberbullying,and the pervasive influence of social media.
Norton de Matos’s willingness to discuss her personal concerns is expected to encourage other parents to address similar issues within their own families and to destigmatize conversations surrounding mental health. She urged parents to be attentive to changes in their children’s behaviour and to prioritize their emotional wellbeing alongside academic achievement.Correio da Manhã‘s online platform will automatically archive reader comments on the article after one week.
