Vienna (OTS) – Nowadays our “mental fitness” or mental health is increasingly in danger – mental crises and illnesses can affect anyone! How important it is to pay attention to one’s own mental fitness is shown by the fact that serious mental illnesses – especially if they are repressed and therefore remain untreated for a long time – can shorten one’s lifespan by up to 25 years1. In Austria, 6.5% of adults develop a depressive illness over the course of their lives, with women at 6.8% being affected slightly more often than men at 6.3%2.
Against the background of the widespread problem associated with depression, Angelini Pharma Austria would like to take part in the initiative “MENTALLY FIT!? JOIN!” draw attention to the importance of mental health. The focus of this awareness campaign is to sensitize the population to the first signs of mental illness through typical “feelings of LOS” (such as insomnia, listlessness or hopelessness). The aim of the campaign is to motivate the Austrian population to take a self-test or seek a medical consultation. In the coming weeks, awareness packages (with relevant information material for patients) will be placed in the waiting areas of ordinations to draw attention to this important topic. On the homepage mentalfitmachmit.at In addition to information on the topic of mental health, a self-test is also available to test your own mental fitness.
The awareness campaign is a significant step not only to raise awareness of mental illnesses – especially depression – but also to help destigmatize them. There is still far too little talk about mental illness these days. This is one reason why affected people rarely seek help. The WHO recently found that around 60% of those affected do not receive targeted treatment. It is therefore all the more important to counteract the stigma that mental illnesses are not “real” illnesses and to give them the appropriate attention and importance.
About Angelini Pharma
Angelini Pharma is a leading healthcare company operating in both the pharmaceutical and mass markets, with roots in Italy dating back over 100 years. The company has combined its special expertise and experience in the therapeutic areas of mental health and epilepsy under the “Brain Health” strategy. Angelini Pharma’s products are marketed in more than 70 countries through strategic alliances with leading pharmaceutical companies. The company itself is represented in 20 countries.
Credentials:
1. pro mente Austria – Austrian umbrella organization of associations and societies for mental and social health, 2019. First aid for the soul.
2. Nowotny M et al., 2019. Depression report Austria. An interdisciplinary and multi-perspective inventory. Federal Ministry of Labor, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Protection.
Questions & Contact:
For further information, please contact Ms. Mag. Debora De Meo at office@angelini.at or by phone at +43(0)596060.
