Listening to experiences in mental health studies reduces prejudices
While this year's theme for October 10 World Mental Health Day focuses on hearing real voices, experts draw attention to the importance of listening to individual experiences.
The theme for World Mental Health Day on October 10, 2026, was designated as "Lived experiences be heard: real voices, real change." Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Kenan Temiz emphasized that listening to the experiences of individuals experiencing mental health issues plays a critical role in reducing prejudices.
The Meaning of the 2026 Theme
The 2026 theme determined by the World Health Organization aims to incorporate the knowledge and accumulated experience of individuals who personally experience mental health problems into the processes.
With this approach, it is aimed to hear real voices in the development of services and decision-making mechanisms.
Individual Experience Beyond Diagnoses
Psychiatry Specialist Dr. Kenan Temiz states that focus should not only be on symptoms and diagnoses in the field of mental health.
Opening space for the person to tell their own experience carries great importance in terms of the success of treatment and determining correct methods.
Mental Symptoms and Professional Support
Stating that situations such as stress and anxiety can exist in everyone's life, experts draw attention to the duration of these situations and their impact on daily life.
Professional evaluation is required in the face of symptoms such as prolonged unhappiness, changes in sleep and appetite, and withdrawal from social life.
Prejudices and Seeking Help
Certain prejudices in society are among the factors that can delay individuals from receiving timely professional support.
Seeking support for individuals struggling mentally is not a weakness, but rather a conscious step taken for health.