Caritas Serbia has observed the 10th of October – World mental health day also this year, together with the associations, members of the Network for mental health NaUM. Unlike the previous years, where there was a bigger attention on the promotion of mental health, this year the associations had a chance to present their work.
Through street actions, awareness raising campaigns, promotions, round tables, this day was observed in the cities throughout Serbia, in which are active the associations of users of mental health services: Belgrade, Sabac, Pirot, Valjevo, Kragujevac, Nis, Vrsac, Kovin, Kikinda, Novi Knezevac and Sombor.
The messages of this years campaign, through hashtags: #noteverypainisphysical #itcanhappentoeveryone #stopstigma were printed on t-shirts, distributed on badges, flyers and bookmarks.
In Impact Hub in Belgrade the association presented their work through creative, art and psychological workshops. On this occasion was also shown the film “Homo homini medicamentum est” (Person is a cure for another person), which shows positive examples of respect of the rights of people with disabilities and with mental health problems, through new community services and the occasion for their work engagement or employment.
The world mental health day is observed every year on 10 of October and presents a chance to warn about the growing problematic of mental disorders and illness, in order to raise awareness and commitment for mental health well being.
There are numerous factors, which influence mental health. According to the statistics, 1 person out of 4 faces mental health problems in their life. 300 million people in the world are suffering just from depression. The fact is that mental health problems represent one of the most pressing problems, although there are prejudice and barriers, which turn away people from asking for help when they need it.
The events organized for the World mental health day in Serbia were supported through the project SOCIETIES – Support of CSOs in empowering technical skill, inclusion of people with disabilities and EU standards in South East Europe, financed by the European Union.
