The Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings (MENTUPP) consortium marks World Mental Health Week 2021.
World Mental Health Week incorporates World Mental Health Day celebrated annually on October 10th to raise awareness of mental health issues and to mobilise efforts globally. It is an initiative of World Federation for Mental Health which advocates for the prevention of mental disorders, adequate treatment and care of those with such disorders, and the promotion of mental health among all people and nations. This year’s campaign theme is ‘Mental Health in an Unequal World’.
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on people’s mental health. The prolonged crisis has heightened the risk factors generally associated with poor mental health, including reduced access to healthcare services, increased social isolation, and unemployment. A WHO survey conducted in mid-2020 confirmed that services for mental health had been significantly disrupted during the pandemic. This leaves certain groups of people, including those who are predisposed to mental health conditions, more vulnerable to poor mental health.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which comprise more than 90% of European Union and Australian businesses, experience an increased risk to the impact of mental health problems due to insufficient resources, expertise, and knowledge about how to implement mental health promotion. The MENTUPP project aims to provide solutions that offer support for mental health and wellbeing promotion without increasing costs to SMEs in sectors associated with high levels of mental health problems and suicide, including construction, health, and Information Communications Technology.
In support of World Mental Health Week, the MENTUPP consortium encourages organizations and other stakeholders to talk about actions they can take now.
‘There is no health without mental health’.
For further information on World Mental Health Day, please visit:
World Mental Health Day – World Federation for Mental Health: https://wfmh.global/2021-world-mental-health-global-awareness-campaign-world-mental-health-day-theme/
WHO Comprehensive Mental Health Action Plan 2013-2030: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240031029