Mental health & social rights: European Mental Health Week 2025’s theme

European Mental Health Week is a pan-European initiative aiming to raise awareness about the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. Set up and run by Europe’s largest independent mental health NGO, Mental Health Europe, the seventh edition of the European Mental Health Week will take place from the 19th to 25th of May 2025. 

The Theme

We are delighted to share more details about our focus for this year’s campaign and invite support from all our members, partners and networks. 

Care for mental health, invest in social rights 

Poverty, unemployment and inequality affect our mental health. 

A stronger society means better mental health for all. Let’s build it together. 

This year we are focusing on the links between mental health and social policies. We are encouraging policy makers and people in positions of power to think bigger than the biomedical narrative which focuses on the individual and illness. We are calling for a shift towards tackling the root causes of poor mental health which can affect any person at any time.  

Mental health does not exist in isolation. It is shaped by social conditions such as poverty, inequality, education, employment, and other factors of life. Trying to portray mental health as an individual matter or as solely being about biology or how the brain works will not lead to lasting solutions, and it’s important to remember that.   

We cannot afford to neglect people’s right to have access to the opportunities or support they need to live thriving lives. It’s time to invest people’s social rights. 

Our message 

We see a future where mental health is protected, promoted, and supported through inclusion and strong, fair social policies. The European Union has a role in shaping this future and securing resilient societies. The European pillar of social rights offers the framework to prevent poor mental health and shape a fairer, more productive, competitive and inclusive society.  

Policy makers have the power, the opportunity, the framework and hopefully the political will to shape a mentally well society. We are here to support you to develop a mental health strategy and to ensure mental health is considered and embedded in all social policies.   

Having enough money to eat, somewhere safe to live, a job providing income, access to education and social security shapes our lives, our wellbeing and our mental health.  

Decisions about education, employment, environment, access and the economy have an impact on society. Investing in mental health benefits everyone, so let’s work together to build a healthier and more stable future for all. Please help us to spread the word. 

Watch this space for more information and campaign assets soon!