These days, many influencers, content creators and artists openly discuss mental health and well-being on their platforms. But the big question is: Can these online spaces actually help prevent something as serious as suicide? Suicide is a significant global health issue, with over 700.000 lives lost every year, according to the World Health Organization. Each of these tragedies has a ripple effect, impacting families, friends, and entire communities.

When I look back at how society viewed mental health in the 1900s, I realize just how much things have changed. Back then, psychology and therapy were seen as something to be ashamed of, with many people regarding psychological struggles as a sign of weakness. But even when therapy was considered, it was often in secret. There was little understanding of the importance of addressing mental health issues openly, and this affected generations of families—including mine.

How do you process grief? "By running from it until it finds me in the middle of a sunny street on a beautiful day." With all the beautiful things life has in the store with us, come the painful bits. One day, in one way or another, the absoluteness of death is something we must face.

September marks Suicide Prevention Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness, offering support, and paying closer attention to our own mental well-being and that of those around us. This month is about shifting public perception, spreading hope, and sharing vital information with those affected by suicide. It’s important to remember that suicidal thoughts, like mental health conditions, can affect anyone – regardless of age, gender, or background.

Video games didn’t just mean a fun hobby to kill time, now they meant connection. Rather than having experiences in real life, I was having virtual experiences to keep my friendships alive. The hours we spent playing Among Us didn’t value less than the hours we spent sitting around at the campus.

As far back as Aristotle’s time, people understood the importance of community. He famously said that “humans are social animals”, meaning that people naturally wired to form relationships and live in groups. It’s not just about survival –strong social bonds help us thrive, find happiness, and reach our full potential. Even today, in our modern world, social connections are just as essential. In fact, our brains are built to expect interactions with others.

International Youth Day was born out of a resolution adopted at the World Conference of Ministers Responsible for Youth in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1998. The United Nations General Assembly later endorsed this recommendation, officially proclaiming August 12 as International Youth Day in December 1999. Since then, this day has become an annual opportunity for governments, youth organizations, and communities to come together and address the pressing issues facing young people worldwide.

When was the last time you delayed or postponed a task you needed to complete? Procrastination is basically when we put off doing things that need to be done. Whether it’s cleaning your room, studying for an exam, paying the rent, or finishing work tasks, procrastination is very common, especially among young people.

Ever feel like you're on an emotional rollercoaster, up one minute and down the next? Mood swings can be confusing and frustrating as they are fast and unpredictable. These fluctuations in mood are a common aspect of human experience, influenced by a myriad of factors both internal and external.

Body dysmorphic disorder, also know as body dysmorphia, has a long history, with psychiatrists discussing and diagnosing it since the 1850s. They used the term to describe individuals who were convinced they were unattractive despite having no visible flaws. So this isn’t just a modern phenomenon tied to our society’s preoccupation with appearance.

As much as we cherish our celebration of pride through dancing, fun and dressing up, one thing we must acknowledge is that the Pride Month goes beyond the colorful rainbow parades; it’s about celebrating resilience, progress, the struggle for equal rights and justice, and a strong sense of community.

Did you know that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women? This can be due to societal expectations, stigma, and a lack of awareness. June is dedicated to raising awareness about men's mental health, with International Men's Health Week observed from June 10-16. Men’s mental health is a topic that's often overlooked, but it's incredibly important.

The relationship between the arts and mental health is well established in the field of art therapy. Here, art-based techniques –painting, dancing, role play– become evidence-based interventions for mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. But guess what? Art’s healing touch extends beyond therapy sessions. In various non-therapy contexts, the arts are used to promote mental well-being.

Numerous institutions across Europe, UN agencies, and the World Health Organization have all acknowledged the pressing need for commitment and action on mental health. Often, the significance of mental well-being in our daily lives is underestimated, and a stigma surrounds it, adversely affecting those grappling with mental health issues. This is precisely why Mental Health Awareness Month exists, gaining increasing public support each year.