President António José Seguro has called for mental health to be given greater priority in Portugal, warning that failures in mental healthcare have serious consequences for individuals, families and the country as a whole. In a message marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, the He…
President António José Seguro has called for mental health to be given greater priority in Portugal, warning that failures in mental healthcare have serious consequences for individuals, families and the country as a whole. In a message marking World Mental Health Day on Saturday, October 10, the Head of State said mental health must no longer be treated as a "secondary concern" and called for services to be made more accessible across the country. "Mental health cannot continue to be relegated to second place," Seguro declared in a statement published on the official website of the Presidency of the Republic. The President highlighted the scale of the problem in Portugal, where he said more than one fifth of the population experiences some form of psychiatric disorder, placing the country among those with the highest prevalence of mental health conditions in Europe. He described the consequences of inadequate mental health policies as "dramatic at every level", affecting not only those experiencing psychological difficulties but also their families and wider society. "This is a tragedy for many families. It is a tragedy for Portugal," he said. Prevention and access to care Seguro stressed that improving mental healthcare requires a collective effort, with particular emphasis on prevention and bringing services closer to the people who need them. Care, he argued, should be available not only in healthcare facilities but also in schools, workplaces and local communities. The responsibility extends beyond healthcare professionals to families, employers, institutions and the State, which he said must pay greater attention to an area that has too often been overlooked. The President also described mental health as a universal human right rather than a luxury or purely private matter. He emphasised the importance of providing support throughout people's lives, from early childhood and adolescence to adulthood and old age. According to Seguro, mental wellbeing is also closely connected to wider social challenges, including poverty, inequality, violence and loneliness. Climate change, increasing reliance on technology and emerging forms of addiction present additional concerns. He also pointed to the importance of everyday habits, including adequate sleep, physical activity, healthy eating and maintaining personal relationships.
Portugal's President calls for mental health to become national priority – Portugal Resident
"We have been managing to demystify the burden and stigma associated with mental health," she said, while acknowledging that "there is still a long way to go". Her comments reinforce the President's concerns about the need to improve access to mental healthcare. Seguro also welcomed this year's World Mental Health Day theme, "Giving Voice to Lived Experiences: Real Voices, Real Change", saying it highlighted the importance of listening to people who have experienced mental health difficulties firsthand and ensuring their experiences help shape improvements. He concluded by paying tribute to mental health professionals and volunteers who provide care, support families, combat social isolation and work to reduce stigma. Their contribution, he said, makes a difference to people's lives, but lasting progress will require a broader commitment from Portuguese society and the State.
