CÚCUTA JOINS THE ‘COLOMBIA WEAVES MENTAL HEALTH’ CAMPAIGN FOR THE WELL-BEING OF THE POPULATION

San José de Cúcuta, Norte de Santander, October 11, 2024. (@AlcaldiaCucuta) The Ministry of Health and the Undersecretary of Human Talent came together to celebrate World Mental Health Dayaligned with the national campaign ‘Colombia Weaves Mental Health’ of the Ministry of Health. This initiative seeks to raise awareness in the community about the critical situation of the mental health in the country.

This year the OMS has highlighted the importance of creating work environments that promote mental well-being, since the 60% of the world’s population is in working age and work can be both a protective and risk factor.

According to the system of epidemiological surveillance, in Cúcuta during the weeks 1 to 39 of 2024, there have been 1,366 cases of anxiety, a total of 862 reported cases of depression, 795 cases of psychoactive substance use, 383 cases of attempted suicide and 1,572 cases of gender-based violence.

Given this situation, the Secretary of Health, Taiz del Pilar Ortegastressed the importance of recreational spaces, such as also to create healthy habitsimprove interpersonal relationships within the work environment and participation in recreational activities to combat these problems.

In fact, this office has the ‘Mental Health Friendly Line’, 607 960050which the community can access for free if requires psychological support.

Likewise, “different meetings have been scheduled in different areas of the city where they will be held.” awareness-raising and training sessions with socio-affective networks, the Community Epidemiological Surveillance Committee, the citizen oversight committees and user associations,” he mentioned Grecia María Pérez, reference for Coexistence, Social Participation and Mental Health.

The Mayor’s Office of Cúcuta invites citizens to take care of their mental health and participate in initiatives that promote well-being, spaces for dialogue and mutual support.