BACKGROUND: Many young people achieve recovery from mental health problems by using strategies to manage emotional distress and enhance well-being. Given that little is known about the functions of these strategies, especially in Latin American countries, this study aims to describe the usefulness of the resources used by youth from deprived urban neighborhoods in Bogotá (Colombia), Buenos Aires (Argentina), and Lima (Perú) in managing emotional distress. METHODS: 112 in-depth interviews about strategies for dealing with emotional distress and their perceived function were conducted with young people from three Latin American cities. The sample included young adults and adolescents in a longitudinal cohort study. A thematic content analysis was carried out. RESULTS: Participants identify different functions linked to their strategies to cope with emotional distress or increase their well-being. However, "coping with distress," "perceived support," and "distraction" are the three main functions of the strategies used by them in situations of emotional distress. Each of these functions comprises several aspects, some of which overlap between functions, such as motivation, emotional expression, companionship, and regulation. CONCLUSION: The variety of functions linked to the strategies used by young people to cope with emotional distress or enhance their well-being could guide the facilitation of a favorable social and interpersonal context through public policies and a community approach that promotes young people's access to strategies to cope with emotional distress.