The government delegate in Extremadura, José Luis Quintana, today stressed the importance of combating the stigma of mental illness in work environments. Quintana has attended today in Coria the XXVI World Mental Health Day, organized by the Federation Feafes Mental Health, under the motto 'Work and mental health, a fundamental link'.
In his speech, the government delegate referred to the close relationship between work and mental health, emphasizing the importance of decent employment in the recovery of people with problems due to this disease.
In this regard, he recalled that the Government of Spain has been working in this area with a strategy that involves improving the mental health of the population at all levels and in all areas of the National Health System, providing comprehensive care and assistance to people with problems based on respect for human rights, supporting their families and promoting a model of comprehensive and community care that favors social recovery and inclusion.
Quintana has pointed out that the destigmatization of mental disorders must be a shared goal, especially if you consider that almost 90% of people affected do not dare to share the problems of their illness with their co-workers. “We must all take an active role in building a society where talking about mental health is normal, and asking for help is not seen as a weakness, but as an act of courage.”
Finally, the government delegate stressed the importance of promoting spaces for dialogue where experiences are visited, initiatives are shared and bridges are built between civil society and institutions.