The head of the Executive stressed that mental health "is healthcare, it is social care, but it is above all a matter of humanism and values, of protecting our community spirit, our shared life, where we care for one another".
Illa acknowledged that an exclusively healthcare response cannot be provided to problems with social, educational, labor, and community roots, as "mental health often expresses what is not working well enough in other areas". He added that "the data shows us to what extent living conditions matter".
The president indicated that the challenge affects not only the healthcare system but also the educational system, social services, businesses, and public administrations, "in a very special way, for families and the citizens of our country". Therefore, he advocated for a perspective "that goes beyond assistance" to move "from a strictly assistance-based vision to a model that supports mental health problems and emotional well-being".
The event, held in the Saló Sant Jordi, brought together a broad representation of the sector to analyze experiences. The director of the Pacte Nacional de Salut Mental, Laia Arnal, highlighted the need for "society to be more informed and capable of talking about emotional distress without trivializing or stigmatizing it" to move towards "comprehensive, community-based care centered on people's rights".
The need to strengthen coordination among all sectors to advance in the prevention, promotion, and protection of mental health, especially among children and young people, was highlighted.
The round tables addressed child and adolescent mental health, with the participation of Aina Plaza (Director General of Planning of the Department of Health), Susanna Tarapiella (Director General of Education and Professional Training), Albert Fisas (teacher at the hospital classroom of the Fundació Hospitalàries de Sant Boi de Llobregat), and Ricard Matas. The second table focused on community mental health with interventions from Sílvia Subirana (Director General of Personal Autonomy and Disability of the Department of Social Rights and Inclusion), Immaculada Barral (Director General of Law, Legal Entities and Adequate Conflict Management of the Department of Justice and Democratic Quality), Victòria Monell (president of the Fundació Silvestra Moreno), and Laura Sicilia (president of Activament Catalunya).
A dance group formed by individuals with lived experience of mental health problems performed the piece "Qui m’agafa quan estic a punt de caure?" (Who catches me when I'm about to fall?).
During the event, the Government's new awareness campaign "Understanding emotional distress is also caring for mental health" was presented, aiming to normalize conversations about mental health and facilitate the identification of emotional distress. The campaign will be rolled out in the media and public spaces in the coming weeks.
The event was also attended by the Minister of Education and Professional Training, Esther Niubó, and the Minister of Social Rights and Inclusion, Raúl Moreno.
