The SANA campaign – Mental Health Matters, organised by the Mozambican Mental Health Association, in partnership with local and international bodies, is an initiative aimed at breaking down stigma, providing essential information and making accessible resources available to the population. Throughout the month, mental health, which is often neglected in various sectors of society, was at the centre of attention. In a constantly developing country like Mozambique, where economic, social and family pressures affect individuals of all ages, this campaign provided a crucial opportunity to open up spaces for dialogue and reflection on a subject that still carries a great deal of prejudice.
Themed sessions were held that addressed central issues of mental health in different contexts. The first session focused on the mental health of adolescents and young people, highlighting the emotional challenges they face in relation to family dynamics and social pressure. Psychologists and therapists led the discussions. The next session explored mental health in the workplace, with a focus on burnout and work-related stress, offering strategies for balancing professional life and psychological well-being. The last session, devoted to creative and artistic experiences, underlined the transformative role of art in mental health, with local artists sharing their experiences and showing how creativity can be a tool for healing and emotional expression.
Besides the talks and discussion circles, Yellow September 2024 was marked by activities that actively involved the Maputo community. Aerobics sessions, walks and art exhibitions promoted the participants' physical and emotional well-being.
As we move into October, mental health initiatives will continue to gain strength, notably the health fair to be held on the 10th, World Mental Health Day. This fair will allow participants to take personality tests, receive career guidance and explore the psychological resources available in the city. More than a series of activities, this campaign remains a call to action, reinforcing the message that caring for mental health must be a priority and accessible to all.
As part of the campaign's legacy, an online platform dedicated to mental health in Mozambique will be launched. This platform will bring together essential information, including contacts for psychological care centres, educational resources on mental health and information about future events and related activities. The aim will be to ensure that anyone can access this information quickly and safely, eliminating the barriers that often prevent access to psychological support.
The campaign took place at a critical moment, with global mental health data revealing alarming figures. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), someone in the world takes their own life every 40 seconds. Around 280 million people live with depression, and another 260 million face anxiety disorders. These figures underline the urgency of interventions such as the Yellow September campaign, which address mental health in an inclusive and accessible way. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death, especially among young people, and many of these lives can be saved with the right support and an end to the stigma associated with mental illness.
The campaign marked an important step towards building a more welcoming society that is more aware of mental health issues, in Maputo. Caring for mental health is an ongoing commitment, and this initiative has helped to strengthen the foundations for a future of greater acceptance and understanding.
