The National Suicide Prevention Plan
Context for the launch of the semaines de la santé mentale
The semaines de la santé mentale are part of the 1st National Suicide Prevention Plan (Plan National de Prévention du Suicide, PNPSL), approved by the Luxembourgish government in 2015.
The aim of this plan was to address the causes and consequences of suicide, as well as to reduce suicide attempts and deaths in Luxembourg. The Ligue Luxembourgeoise d’Hygiène Mentale, through its Centre d’Information et de Prévention, was commissioned by the Ministry of Health to coordinate the 33 actions within this plan. The launch of the semaines de la santé mentale was initiated as a component of action 15 within this plan.
The semaines de la santé mentale also align with the recommendations of the World Health Organisation (WHO). As early as 2001, during the 54th World Health Assembly, the WHO urged governments to implement national mental health weeks.
In 2018, 2020, and 2022, three editions were organised in Luxembourg:
1st edition, 2018 – Depression: Let's talk
In collaboration with partners from five municipalities across the country (Mamer, Pétange, Hersperange, Ettelbruck, and Dudelange), approximately fifty awareness-raising activities took place. The first edition revolved around the theme of depression and was held under the High Patronage of Mr. Mars Di Bartolomeo, the President of the Chamber of Deputies, and Ms. Lydia Mutsch, the Minister of Health. Link to PDF poster.
2nd edition, 2020 – All connected
Originally planned in collaboration with eleven municipalities (Differdange, Dudelange, Echternach, Ettelbruck, Hesperange, Mamer, Mersch, Pétange, Remich, Sanem, and Wiltz), it had to be adapted to a digital format due to the health crisis. Link to PDF poster.
3rd edition, 2022 – My Health, includes my mental health
In 2022, the concept was modified to involve the entire population of Luxembourg. Anyone interested (municipalities, health care services, associations, cultural institutions, companies, and individuals) could submit activities and become part of the semaines de la santé mentale. In cooperation with 88 partners, more than a hundred actions took place. Link to PDF poster.
The National Mental Health Plan
The ongoing of the semaines de la santé mentale.
To ensure the continuity of PNPSL (2015-2019), it is essential to pursue the actions deemed a priority within the framework of the National Mental Health Plan (Plan National de la Santé Mentale, PNSM, 2024-2028).
Among these actions, the semaines de la santé mentale unquestionably hold a pivotal position, and for the 4th edition, their duration has been extended from one to two weeks.
