Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health Stigma: The Launch of WHO Europe’s Mosaic Toolkit

Stigma and discrimination related to mental health conditions continue to be some of the most persistent barriers to recovery and well-being. They affect every level of society, from individuals and families to broader communities and economies. To address this, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Europe has introduced the Mosaic Toolkit, a comprehensive guide designed to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination through evidence-based practices.

The Impact of Stigma on Mental Health and Society

Stigma doesn’t just hurt individuals; it limits opportunities and accessibility, creates barriers to treatment, and fosters inequality. People who experience stigma often feel isolated and misunderstood, and it can prevent them from seeking the help they need. At a broader level, stigma negatively impacts social cohesion and economic development. It exacerbates health inequalities and prevents the full participation of people with mental health conditions in everyday life. That’s why initiatives like the Mosaic Toolkit are so vital.

An Evidence-Based Approach: The Mosaic Toolkit

The Mosaic Toolkit offers practical, actionable steps for governments, organisations, and communities to take in their efforts to combat stigma. It is built on three core principles:

  • Leadership or Co-Leadership by People with Lived Experience: Empowering those with direct experience of mental health challenges to lead the fight against stigma ensures authentic representation and impactful change.
  • Social Contact: Facilitating open conversations between people with lived experience and the broader public reduces fear and misinformation, fostering empathy and understanding.
  • Inclusive Partnerships: Collaborative efforts involving diverse stakeholders—patients, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and communities—amplify the impact of stigma reduction efforts.

Our President, Peter Kéri, proudly represented mental health patients at the launch, reinforcing GAMIAN-Europe’s commitment to dismantling stigma. His involvement underscores the importance of co-creation with people with lived experience. This marks a pivotal moment in the global push for more supportive environments for those affected by mental health conditions.

 

GAMIAN-Europe’s Anti-Stigma Campaign on World Mental Health Day

As part of this joint effort, GAMIAN-Europe has intensified our efforts to combat stigma by launching an anti-stigma campaign on World Mental Health Day. We aim to change the conversation around mental health, ensuring that stigma no longer stands in the way of people accessing the care and support they need. By raising awareness and advocating for policy change, we’re committed to fostering greater empathy and inclusivity, cultivating a society where acceptance, compassion, and the opportunity to live free from stigma and discrimination are prioritised. Let’s change the narrative about major mental health conditions.

Watch our campaign video here: https://bit.ly/48b3mYH
Read the full report here: https://bit.ly/3zS9h8l

 

For more information on GAMIAN-Europe’s ongoing projects and initiatives, please follow its social media LinkedIn, Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. 

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