INESC TEC observed World Mental Health Day with a series of talks and awareness-raising initiatives

INESC TEC marked World Mental Health Day with a series of talks and moments of sharing dedicated to promoting psychological and emotional well-being, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to a culture of care, inclusion and social responsibility. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in every eight people worldwide faces some mental health issue. In Portugal, more than 20% of the population may experience a mental disorder at some point in their lives, with anxiety and depression being the most common. These figures highlight the need for continuous actions focused on prevention, awareness and support. 

The series of talks, organised by the Technical Committee for Social Responsibility (CTRS), took place throughout October and November, and addressed aspects like mental health and isolation, self-care, neurodivergence and mindfulness. It featured the participation of several experts, who shared their knowledge and experience with INESC TEC staff. 

Still in October, the session Saúde mental e isolamento: o lado invisível da vida académica, led by psychologist Francisco Machado, focused on the emotional challenges associated with isolation, academic and professional pressure, and the difficulties that often remain invisible within the scientific community. The lecture A falácia do tempo livre – porque o autocuidado nem sempre tem espaço na agenda, by psychologist Vera Gonçalves, explored the barriers to practising self-care and highlighted the importance of integrating wellbeing routines in contexts of constant demand. 

In early November, psychiatrist Rute Cajão led the session Será que sou neurodivergente?, promoting literacy around neurodivergence, debunking myths, and encouraging greater understanding of cognitive diversity in work and research settings. The programme concluded with the lecture Mindfulness: aqui e agora by psychologist Ana Osório de Castro, who presented practical mindfulness strategies as tools for managing stress, anxiety and concentration. 

“The participation of around 100 people demonstrates the importance of creating spaces for reflection on mental health. The feedback received was very positive and confirms the relevance of the content shared. We believe that initiatives like this contribute to a more sustainable culture of wellbeing, encouraging participants to take on an active role as wellbeing ambassadors,” said Rita Cardoso, member of the CTRS and INESC TEC’s Human Resources Service. 

The sessions took place online, ensuring access to all the institution’s hubs and promoting open reflection and dialogue on the importance of caring for mental health – both on a personal and professional level. 

Additionally, the CTRS provided a set of useful resources available, including podcasts, helplines and specialised information portals, reinforcing the message that seeking help is a fundamental step in taking care of mental health.