UNICEF has launched a Romanian-language version of its mental health podcast On My Mind on Spotify, aimed at supporting the emotional well-being of young people in Romania. The podcast features eight freely accessible episodes that provide practical exercises and information to help youth manage their mental health. The content was co-created with local young people and is based on evidence reflecting the specific mental health needs of youth.
This new initiative complements UNICEF’s broader efforts in Romania to promote adolescent mental health, strengthen early detection, and improve referral systems for mental health services. The launch is part of UNICEF’s global partnership with Spotify, which aims to close the gap between the growing mental health needs of young people and the limited resources currently available. The collaboration combines Spotify’s reach and content capabilities with UNICEF’s mental health expertise.
Season 1 of the podcast is designed to enhance knowledge, change attitudes, and support positive behaviors among youth in relation to mental health. Topics include stress, anxiety, depression, grief, and stigma, along with tools for coping and encouraging help-seeking behaviors. Each country’s version of the podcast is tailored through co-creation with local youth, ensuring cultural and contextual relevance.
Initially launched in Ukrainian, Polish, and English in 2023 to address the needs of youth affected by the war in Ukraine, the podcast expanded to Spanish and Portuguese in 2024, reaching audiences in Latin America. Spotify is also a founding member of the Global Coalition for Youth Mental Health, an alliance created by UNICEF with the support of the Z Zurich Foundation to address the global mental health crisis affecting children and young people.
