As much as we cherish our celebration of pride through dancing, fun and dressing up, one thing we must acknowledge is that the Pride Month goes beyond the colorful rainbow parades; it’s about celebrating resilience, progress, the struggle for equal rights and justice, and a strong sense of community.

Did you know that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues compared to women? This can be due to societal expectations, stigma, and a lack of awareness. June is dedicated to raising awareness about men's mental health, with International Men's Health Week observed from June 10-16. Men’s mental health is a topic that's often overlooked, but it's incredibly important.

The relationship between the arts and mental health is well established in the field of art therapy. Here, art-based techniques –painting, dancing, role play– become evidence-based interventions for mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. But guess what? Art’s healing touch extends beyond therapy sessions. In various non-therapy contexts, the arts are used to promote mental well-being.

Numerous institutions across Europe, UN agencies, and the World Health Organization have all acknowledged the pressing need for commitment and action on mental health. Often, the significance of mental well-being in our daily lives is underestimated, and a stigma surrounds it, adversely affecting those grappling with mental health issues. This is precisely why Mental Health Awareness Month exists, gaining increasing public support each year.

Auf dem rechtem Arm, knapp unter ihrem Ellenbogen, ein Muttermal, oval geformt und etwa zwei Daumen breit. Ihre Finger sind ineinander verschränkt, ihre langen Nägel mit French Tips verziert. Sie sitzt sehr aufrecht, ihre Beine sind übereinander geschlagen. Sie lächelt. Das ist Ralina. Zumindest auf den ersten Blick. Dass Ralina genese Bulimikerin ist, sieht man ihr nicht an.