Mental health awareness has made significant progress in the UK, with high-profile individuals and brand campaigns driving open conversations. However, in Switzerland, mental health remains a taboo topic due to cultural pressures and prejudices.
To drive change, Switzerland needs to acknowledge its mental health problem and make it safe to talk about, as the current stigma prevents organizations, including the government, from addressing the crisis.
The facts
Fact 1 – Mental health issues are the leading cause of workplace illness in Switzerland.
According to a study conducted by WorkMed in collaboration with SWICA, 57 percent of mental health-related work incapacities are triggered by workplace conflicts, leading to an average sick leave duration of 218 days. Nearly half of those on sick leave may ultimately lose their jobs, especially since many suffer from prior mental health issues and social isolation. This highlights the urgent need for early intervention and collaboration among doctors, employers, and insurance companies to prevent complications and job losses related to mental health issues. Swica is Switzerland’s leading health insurance we don’t have pubic health here in Switzerland.
Fact 2 – Youth mental health disorders have become the leading cause of hospital admissions in Switzerland
Between 2020 and 2021, admissions for mental and behavioral disorders rose by 26% among girls and young women aged 10 to 24, and by 6% among males of the same age. For the first time, mental disorders accounted for 19,532 cases, surpassing injuries. There was also a 26% increase in hospital admissions for attempted suicide within this age group. This data underscores the importance of addressing mental health from an early age.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (FSO) – https://www.bfs.admin.ch/asset/fr/23772012
Fact 3 – In Switzerland, nearly 60% of the adult population has assumed the role of caregiver for someone with a mental illness at some point in their lives
This amounts to approximately 2.1 million individuals providing support in various capacities. A representative study commissioned by Stand By You and conducted by the Sotomo Institute revealed the need to make the realities of this caregiver population more visible. The survey, which included 2,042 participants from both German-speaking and French-speaking regions, is the first to provide insights into their experiences.
Why talking about mental health is so difficult in Swiss culture
Starting the conversation about mental health is the first step because it helps to break down stigma, increase understanding, and encourage seeking help before a crisis. In Swiss culture, talking about mental health is very difficult due to deeply ingrained cultural pressures and prejudices.
The taboo around mental health makes it challenging to have open conversations, and many people view mental health issues as a sign of weakness. This stigma is dangerous and can prevent individuals from seeking help and support, even within their own communities.
The lack of open discussion also means that mental health awareness and prevention campaigns are not a priority for many Swiss organisations – including the government – despite the mental health crisis.
Perfectionism
In Swiss culture, the concept of perfectionism is a significant barrier to seeking help for mental health issues or leaning on others for support. This toxic mindset can lead many individuals to delay help seeking support.
The power of communication
One organisation that is tackling these taboos in Switzerland is The Coffee Foundation. An English mental health brand awareness campaign based in Switzerland, The Coffee Foundation aims to change culture by making it simple and safe for anyone to start a conversation about mental health.
The campaign empowers individuals to TAKE FIVE – talking, actively listening, kindness, encouraging action, and checking in. The focus is on creating meaningful connections and conversations, breaking down barriers to open and honest discussions, and helping people develop the skills and confidence to reach out and connect.
With a goal to live in a world with zero stigma + zero shame + zero silence = zero suicides, and a moto “Fight with us or just Call Us Crazy”, the campaign emphasises that starting a conversation about mental health doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. It can make a significant difference in someone’s life in your community and with the people around you.
About the author:
Damien O’Brien, founder of The Mental Health Association in Switzerland, is a mental health advocate who has personally faced the challenges of living with mental illness. His mother and brother both struggled with mental illness, and his mother ultimately lost her life after a long battle. Despite many experts discussing mental health, Damien believes there is a need for new authentic voices sharing their personal experiences and talking in the first hand. The shame and stigma surrounding mental illness remain prevalent in Swiss society, and Damien is on a mission to break down these barriers and encourage open conversations about mental health.
