European Mental Health Awareness Week 2024
13 - 19 May 2024
This year’s European Mental Health Awareness Week is held between the 13th and 19th of May. This year’s theme, “BETTER TOGETHER: Co-Creating the Future of Mental Health”, embodies the spirit of collaboration and collective action in addressing mental health challenges. It emphasises the power of coming together to co-create a future where mental health support and resources are accessible to all. By uniting efforts and resources, we can build a more inclusive and supportive society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive mentally and emotionally.
About Mental Health Awareness Week
Background
Building on the global tradition of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, established by Mental Health America in the US in 1949, European Mental Health Awareness Week is an initiative led by Mental Health Europe. The purpose of the annual event is to raise awareness about mental health issues and promote mental wellbeing throughout Europe. This week-long campaign brings together individuals, organisations, and communities to address the stigma surrounding mental health and advocate for improved support and resources.
The Facts
Mental health conditions affect millions of people worldwide, with a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that over 150 million individuals within the WHO European Region grapple with mental health issues. Additionally, WHO notes that only 1 in 3 individuals with depression obtain the necessary care.
Previous Mental Health Awareness Week Themes
2023 – Mentally Healthy Communities: Thriving together
In 2023, Mental Health Awareness Week focused on building mentally healthy communities where individuals can thrive together. The theme emphasised the importance of creating supportive environments that promote mental wellbeing and resilience for everyone.
2022 – Speak up for mental health
The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week in 2022 was “Speak up for mental health,” encouraging individuals to share their stories, experiences, and challenges related to mental health openly. The campaign aimed to break down barriers to communication and encourage dialogue about mental health issues.
2021 – Our mental health matters
In 2021, Mental Health Awareness Week highlighted the importance of prioritising mental health and recognising that everyone’s mental health matters. The campaign focused on raising awareness about different aspects of mental wellbeing and promoting self-care and resilience.
2020 – Together we can
In the light of the Covid-19 pandemic impact on mental health, with anxiety and depression prevalence increasing by 25% globally, the theme of Mental Health Awareness Week in 2020 encouraged individuals, organisations, and communities to come together to support each other.
Mental Health within the workplace
In 2024, things are not looking better as reports confirm that mental health of workers in Europe is worsening. A recent survey across six European countries revealed that 38% of employees are deemed at high risk of encountering mental health challenges.
As people spend a significant portion of their time in the workplace, employers bear a crucial responsibility in promoting mental health and fostering supportive work environments. Organisations should proactively address this issue by conducting surveys to identify the root causes of poor mental health among their workforce. Utilising tools like the Psycho-Social Risk Assessment PSRA can aid in this endeavour, allowing employers to pinpoint areas of concern and tailor interventions accordingly.
Recognising that mental health is a deeply personal matter, it’s imperative for employers to provide accessible and effective support services. CareConnect offers a pioneering solution as the first single-point access Employee Assistance Program (EAP) service. With a focus on bridging countries and cultures, CareConnect delivers native-language mental wellbeing support to employees, ensuring their holistic wellness needs are met.
European Mental Health Awareness Week is a reminder of the importance of mental health. It’s a time for everyone, individuals and organisations, to raise awareness about well-being.
Moving forward, it’s imperative that we advocate for positive changes in mental health policies, practices, and attitudes. By collectively supporting this cause, we can pave the way for a future where mental health takes center stage, fostering healthier and more resilient communities for generations to come. #TogetherWeCan #BetterTogether
