This year's campaign by the World Health Organization (WHO), under the slogan “Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change”, highlights the importance of involving people with lived experience of mental health conditions in shaping the policies, programmes and services that affect their lives.
Their experiences represent a valuable source of knowledge that complements professional expertise and contributes to a better understanding of people's needs, barriers to accessing support, and opportunities for improving services. The central message of this year's campaign is not simply that these voices should be heard, but that people's experiences should be acknowledged and have a meaningful impact on decision-making.
Mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders. It is an integral part of overall health and well-being, shaped by everyday relationships, living conditions, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for active participation in the community.
For this reason, mental health promotion, the prevention of mental disorders, and access to support are important elements of a comprehensive public health approach that requires cooperation among the health, education and social sectors, local governments and civil society organizations.
Particular attention should be paid to children and young people by creating supportive environments, developing emotional and social skills, and strengthening access to support while respecting their needs and views.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro and the Clinical Centre of Montenegro organized a roundtable discussion entitled “Mental Health Promotion in the Community”, with a particular focus on the role of primary health care centres and counselling services for children and young people.
Representatives of primary health care centres shared experiences from their work in communities and counselling services, presented existing activities and ideas for their improvement, and discussed opportunities for cooperation with potential partners at the local level.
The exchange of experiences focused on developing continuous and sustainable mental health promotion activities.
Additional opportunities to improve work in this field are provided by the European JA PRISM project (EU4Health), in which the Ministry of Health, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro and the Clinical Centre of Montenegro participate.
Within the project, the adaptation and implementation of the Act-Belong-Commit (ABC) approach is planned, focusing on mental health promotion through activity, social connectedness and meaningful engagement. The project also includes the BIZI approach, aimed at suicide prevention by strengthening the capacity to identify individuals at risk and provide appropriate support.
On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the Institute of Public Health of Montenegro emphasizes the importance of respecting people's experiences and needs, strengthening cooperation, and building communities where mental health support is accessible, continuous and adapted to everyone who needs it.