Insurance argues that “mental health cannot continue to be relegated”

O President of the Republic today argued that mental health cannot continue “relegated to the background” and must be available to everyone, in health facilities, schools and workplaces, with a focus on prevention.

In a message published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic on the Internet to mark World Mental Health Day, António José Seguro warns that “the consequences of the failures of a mental health policy at all levels are dramatic” and qualifies the situation as “a drama for many families” and “a drama for Portugal”.

The head of state states that “it is necessary to put mental health within reach of all and to bet, essentially, on prevention” and that the provision of care must “be close to people: in health establishments, schools, workplaces and the community”.

“ This is everyone's obligation. From each of us in the family or work sphere; from experts in the field of mental health; and from the State, which should pay due attention to an often underestimated domain. Mental health cannot continue to be relegated to the background”, he adds.

António José Seguro points out that “in Portugal, more than one-fifth of the population suffers from some kind of psychiatric disorder, which places us among the countries with the highest prevalence of psychiatric diseases in Europe” and says that “hurts” this situation and that this “requires a collective effort”.

At the beginning of this message, the President of the Republic frames mental health as “a universal human right” and not “a luxury, not just a private matter”, but “part of the health of each and health of the country”.

He then states that the motto “Give voice to the experiences lived: real voices, real changes”, chosen by the World Federation for Mental Health for this year, is an appeal that “those who live psychological suffering in the first person can be heard” and that “this listening results in change”.

The head of state directs a “word of greeting and recognition for the work of professionals and volunteers in the field of mental health, who hear, make a difference, change lives”, who “carry out, lend their friendly shoulder, offer their time, train, support families and, with their action, fight social isolation and stigma”.

António José Seguro considers it important to act in this area throughout life: “In early childhood, when the foundations of development are formed; in adolescence and youth, the time of identity building; in adulthood, in the face of demands that put us to the test; and later, with those who deserve to be accompanied with dignity and special affection.”.

According to the Head of State, “it is also necessary to act on deeper causes, such as poverty, inequality, violence and loneliness”, to which current challenges are “such as climate change, the technological dimension of everyday life and new dependencies”.

“[Men’s health] is also built on a daily basis: sleep enough, move the body, eat well, have time for others and ourselves. They are simple habits, but so often difficult to adopt ", points out.