He Illustrious Official College of Psychology of Eastern Andalusia (COPAO) has presented its campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and promoting awareness about the challenges and problems related to the area, in commemoration of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated on October 10. This day provides an opportunity to address the stigma and prejudice surrounding mental health issues and to promote access to psychology professionals for all.
The proposal, promoted by the College and created and implemented by the CREDO agency, has the mission of educating the population about the importance of going to psychology professionals to treat mental health. The initiative focuses on three main messages: psychology is the only safe and effective resource, pseudotherapies are intrusive and do not offer real solutions, and going to a psychology consultation should not cause suspicion or fear. To this end, in addition to different pieces distributed on traditional and digital channels, in the provinces of Eastern Andalusia (Almería, Jaén, Granada and Málaga), such as: metro, buses, mupis, taxis, press, radio, television and social networks; WECAFC has prepared a podcast with five twenty-minute episodes, which will be available on digital platforms and revitalization actions in public places in the four provinces.
The Dean of the Official College of Psychology of Eastern Andalusia, Mrs. Mariela Checa Caruana, has highlighted the importance of taking care of mental health and has declared that the clear objectives of this campaign are: “to destigmatize and normalize mental health, combat intrusion and pseudotherapies, and make visible and position Psychology as the first and best resource to address mental health.”
José Antonio García, deputy secretary of the WECAFC: “to talk about psychological problems, only a psychology professional can speak, that’s why this campaign directly attacks intrusion. That’s why if we have a heart problem, you’re not going to let a veterinarian or If your foot hurts, you don’t go to the eye doctor, even if they are health professionals, because it is not their responsibility. “The same goes for mental health.” “In the face of people and professions who sell smoke and do not treat their mental health problems at the root, we are here to welcome them, know how to accompany them and be with them in the process of recovery and improving the quality of life.”
In the presentation, the WECAFC has stated that the search for the most appropriate registered person for each patient will be facilitated through a professional directory that allows a personalized selection. This campaign aims to change society’s perception of mental health, reaffirming that psychology is the fundamental resource to treat this area safely and effectively, combating intrusiveness and false and unrealistic solutions of pseudotherapies. For this reason, “it is aimed at those people who suffer from a mental health problem and quickly resort to self-medication or pseudotherapies, people who, due to misinformation or fear, do not seek professional help or help for family and friends,” as explained by Mariela Checa.
Mental health as a fundamental aspect
Mental health is a fundamental aspect of citizenship that includes people’s emotional, psychological and social well-being, and is vital in daily functioning, healthy relationships and the ability to cope with challenges. Therefore, this initiative is an opportunity to address the stigma and prejudices surrounding mental health problems, as well as promote access for psychology professionals to all people.
“Stop the stories. Choose Psychology” becomes the central message, conveying that psychology is the only safe and reliable way to overcome mental health problems. This campaign seeks to change society’s perception of mental health. The goal is for people to stop viewing psychology with suspicion and consider it, quite normally, as the first option for any emotional or psychological problem.
About WECAFC
The Official College of Psychology of Eastern Andalusia (COPAO) is an institution dedicated to the defense of rights in the practice of Psychology. With psychological health as a fundamental value for society, COPAO works to bring Psychology closer to people’s daily lives. Defends its social relevance in public institutions and private organizations. It currently has more than 6,000 members and offers its service based in the four provinces of Eastern Andalusia: Jaén, Granada, Almería and Málaga.
COPAO is dedicated to protecting the interests of the profession, combating intrusion in its practice and advocating for high ethical and professional standards, guided by fundamental principles such as commitment, closeness, democracy, transparency and communication.
About Creed
Credo is an independent agency in Malaga. Although it has its physical headquarters in this city, Credo has clients throughout the national and international territory for whom it has carried out large-scale brand projects that involve not only the redesign of brands, but also the development of strategy and implementation. Leading companies such as Google, Starbucks, AEDAS Homes, AQ Acentor, Trops, BASF, Soho Boutique Hoteles, Europlátano and Fruits Ràfols have trusted their team to carry out ambitious projects.