University Clinic of Psychiatry marks World Mental Health Day — urging that seeking help is not a weakness

The University Clinic of Psychiatry marked World Mental Health Day on 10 October with a call for greater listening, support and respect for people who live with mental health difficulties.

The clinic said this year’s campaign carries the slogan "Personal experiences: real voices, real changes" and that the effort will continue beyond the day itself to highlight why lived experience must be recognised as an important form of knowledge.

"At a time when depression, anxiety and other mental difficulties are on the rise, we consider it of exceptional importance to break the stigma and send the message that seeking help is not a weakness." the University Clinic of Psychiatry said.

The Chamber of Psychologists urged public institutions and decision-makers to pause and reflect on mental health by asking the simple but probing question: "How are you, really?" It said mental health should not be addressed only in crises but built daily within families, schools, workplaces and the health system.

Both institutions noted that many people hide fatigue, exhaustion and private struggles behind their everyday functioning, which leaves needs unnoticed. They called on policy makers to ensure more accessible services, preventive programmes and an adequate number of specialists, and on educational institutions to increase attention to the psychological wellbeing of children and young people.

The clinic added that the campaign will continue in the coming period, aiming to make the voices of people with mental health challenges heard and their experiences respected.

Photo: press material from the event