Why the week

Background

The European Mental Health Awareness Week builds on the long-standing global tradition of celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month in May. In the US, Mental Health Month was initiated by Mental Health America in 1949. It has been celebrated every year since with growing support from the public and policymakers, for over 70 years. In Canada, the Canadian Mental Health Association has hosted Mental Health Week during the first week of May for 70 years.  In the UK, Mental Health Awareness Week has been run by Mental Health Foundation on the third week of May for over 20 years.

Our ambition is to promote this positive practice throughout Europe and establish the European Mental Health Week as an annual pan-European mental health campaign celebrating the path to awareness and action.

Why mental health

Mental health is a critical human and societal issue. Learn why mental health matters. 

Change

There’s an urgent need to raise the general public and policymakers’ understanding about mental health, reduce stigma and change behaviours and attitudes. 

Progress

We know more about mental health today than ever before. Armed with all the knowledge, progress can be made.  Mental health support must be available for all. 

Impact

In recent years, the World Health Organization and other UN agencies, European institutions and health ministries have recognised the urgent need for commitment and action on mental health. When our leaders speak up and take action, we can look towards a brighter future to move towards positive mental health.

Equity

More than half 9 million young people in Europe have been negatively affected by the pandemic and these numbers could increase as new crises emerge. Equitable access to mental health care can improve the quality of life for many and especially for vulnerable groups (children, young people, elderly, marginalised groups, etc.).