World Mental Health Day: Factor J’s contribution
October 10 is World Mental Health Day, an opportunity to raise awareness on various forms of psychological issues. This year, the World Health Organisation will focus on It's time to prioritize mental health in the workplace.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of our general wellbeing, but it is often overlooked or stigmatised. We must promote a new understanding of this issues to reduce prejudice and encourage people to seek help without fearing judgement.
For four years, Project Factor J, together with Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Italia, has been committed to raising the awareness of youth and adults on mental issues, their causes, and possible solutions. And we have worked on various fronts, including:
- Education and Information: PCTOs, workshops, events, and information campaigns to raise awareness on mental disorders and their implications.
- Case Studies and Personal Stories: thanks to the precious contribution of patient associations, we have been able to share the stories of individuals who have experienced mental disorders, so to humanise the problem and reduce its stigma.
- Collaboration with Experts: thanks to the contribution J&J personnel and key opinion leaders, we have raised the awareness of youth on the value of scientific progress for our health and wellbeing.
Four editions of Factor J have provided upper secondary school students in Italy with the tools necessary to understand the importance of prevention, therapeutic innovation, and equality in terms of access to cures.
Actions of the Last Edition
- Eating Disorders in Adolescence: with the contribution of the Fondazione Il Bullone, we faced the issue of eating disorders in adolescence, a very significant issues for the educational community, given the complexity and many factors involved in its rise. Understanding and facing these delicate issues is fundamental to promote the health and wellbeing of students, helping them to face the challenges of adolescence.
- Youth as Agents of Change: students were encouraged to become agents of change by developing projects and awareness raising campaigns for their communities and participating in PCTOs with partner associations. The experience helped participants to directly experience the assistance required by patients with various pathologies, promote a sense of inclusion, and create shared value. [Also see: “My Health, My Right”]
- “Exhausted Students”: a podcast produced by students participating in Project Factor J on their experiences and reflections in terms of mental health.
