Today is World Mental Health Day! This day was established by the World Federation for Mental Health in 1992, aiming to fight stigma and promote awareness. Shall we talk about mental health?

“Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano”

Although the famous phrase by the Roman poet Juvenal, which can be translated as “one should pray for a sound mind in a sound body,” originated around the 1st century, it still holds meaning today. Taking care of your mental health contributes not only to emotional balance but also to physical health.

Gibbs’ Reflective Cycle: from problem to solution

If you have experienced a situation that made you sad or uncomfortable, try using Gibbs’ reflective cycle: describe what happened, what you thought and felt, what went well and what didn’t, what it meant, what you could have done differently, and what you might do in the future. This cycle will help you analyze the problem and think about the factors within your control.

You don’t have to be okay all the time!

Talk to someone about the situation — a friend, a family member, a teacher... It’s important to share what you feel, including to gain a new perspective on the situation. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness or something to be ashamed of.

Support Lines

Did you know there are specialized mental health support lines? The National Health Service offers lines such as SOS Voz Amiga and the Psychological Support Line (SNS24), where calls are answered by professionals in the field. Find more information on the website of the National Coordination for Mental Health Policies.

Remember: you are not alone!

Sources consulted:

Origin: Eurocid

"Orandum est ut sit mens sana in corpore sano”: British Journal of General Practice

Gibbs’ Cycle: ResearchGate

Support contacts: SNS24 and National Coordination for Mental Health Policies