World Mental Health Day in Torrevieja

In recognition of World Mental Health Day, Torrevieja’s Centre for Rehabilitation and Social Integration, CRIS, or Centro de Rehabilitación e Integración Social, was the location for the reading of the proclamation, “Inclusive education, positive mental health”, in collaboration with ADIEM, in which the mayor of the town, José Manuel Dolón and the councilor of the Presidency and Government, Domingo Soler took part.

The Mayor began by thanking the associations, relatives and patients who took part and encouraged all attendees to continue fighting to address the problem. “We have to assume that mental illness is part of our society. It is not a question of health but of coexistence and acceptance. We have to shake hands with everyone and make an effort for the people who suffer from it,” he said.

The mayor has also indicated that it is necessary to change the pace of life to which society is subjected, “increasingly hasty and stressed in which there is no place for reflection,” in his words.

The centre also hosted various recreational activities, which included the reading of the proclamation in Spanish, English, French and Lithuanian. “The commemoration of World Mental Health Day celebrates 26 years. We believe that mental health is an integral part of health. All people can suffer some type of disorder throughout our lives,” they read.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 each year, and for the 2018 campaign, the World Health Organisation focused on young people and mental health in a changing world.

“Adolescence and the early years of adulthood are a time of life when many changes occur, for example changing schools, leaving home, and starting university or a new job. For many, these are exciting times. They can also be times of stress and apprehension however. In some cases, if not recognized and managed, these feelings can lead to mental illness. The expanding use of online technologies, while undoubtedly bringing many benefits, can also bring additional pressures, as connectivity to virtual networks at any time of the day and night grows. Many adolescents are also living in areas affected by humanitarian emergencies such as conflicts, natural disasters and epidemics. Young people living in situations such as these are particularly vulnerable to mental distress and illness.”