The events offer workshops and open dialogues that focus on topics such as bullying, pressure to perform, addiction, depression and suicidal tendencies. The aim is to promote mental health literacy and make young people less afraid to talk about their feelings and problems.
Openness is key: the open-room approach
A central component of the "Mental Health Days" is the open-room approach, which gives young people the opportunity to talk openly about their feelings in a safe space. This open atmosphere helps to break the taboo surrounding mental illness and create a culture of acceptance and understanding. Young people are encouraged to come to terms with their own mental health and seek professional help if necessary. Importantly, the initiative does not offer therapeutic services, but acts as a link between education and support.
An initiative based on personal pain
The "Mental Health Days" were launched by Golli Marboe after he lost his son Tobias to suicide. Together with experts and educators, he developed a programme that starts directly in schools and offers young people low-threshold access to important information.
An urgent need for action
Current studies emphasise the urgency of such projects. According to a study conducted by the University of Vienna and VsUM in 2023, more than a quarter of young people regularly think about suicide. The figures are particularly alarming for girls (31%) and diverse young people (over 50%). In addition, young people spend an average of 213 minutes a day on their smartphones - a use that often has a negative impact on their life satisfaction. Over two thirds of young people report feeling depressed and tired.
A contribution to long-term prevention
The "Mental Health Days" offer a unique opportunity to build mental health skills among young people. They create a protected space in which taboos are broken, knowledge is imparted and access to support services is facilitated. By working together with experts, educators and the young people themselves, the Mental Health Days make an important contribution to prevention and send a strong signal in favour of promoting mental health in society.