In all probability, we also know someone with mental health problems or we are even affected by them ourselves. Many people don't know how they can help themselves or those affected and what help is available.
Let's address the issue of mental health problems
If existing or potential illnesses are identified and tackled early enough, they can be treated in many cases. Talk to a friend, colleague or family member about mental health problems – here are some useful tips on the subject – or turn to a professional point of contact (German) and seek advice from an expert. From classic psychotherapy to flexible online training sessions: there's a suitable offer for every need in order to prevent and treat mental illnesses.
We can all also nurture our mental health on a day-to-day basis. Find out here (German) the things you can do as preventive measures for your mental wellbeing.
Promoting your mental health
Today there are a great many projects and offers for promoting mental health, both from private providers as well as from official agencies such as government, cantons and municipalities. With the “How are you today” app from Switzerland’s German-speaking cantons and Pro Mente Sana, you can learn, for example, how to become more consciously aware of feelings and deal with them better. (The app is only available in German, under its German name “Wie geht’s dir?”) The "10 steps for mental health" give valuable insights into promoting mental health.
At best, there will be no mental stress or illness at all, which is why the subject of prevention is so important. The first and most important step is to talk openly about mental health problems. AXA would like to raise awareness in society about this topic and, in conjunction with partners, offer to help if people become ill, relieve difficulties and aid prevention for those affected, their families and employers.
Mental health: AXA is committed
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression. In 2020, this illness was the second most common illness. Someone commits suicide every 40 seconds.
Mental problems also affect Swiss people. Every second person is affected at least once in their life and nearly everyone living in Switzerland knows someone who has or has had mental health problems. We are also dealing with a high suicide rate in this country. More than ten percent of our healthcare costs are spent on mental illnesses and their consequences, totaling some 23 billion Swiss francs in 2015.
As part of our "Know You Can" brand promise, AXA would like to embolden, strengthen and encourage customers, even when it comes to mental health. Mental health problems should not be taboo.
By showing those affected and their families where they can get help, we promote their physical and mental health. We are also committed to prevention. Furthermore, we help employers to recognize the signs of mental illnesses and offer support for broaching the subject with those affected and how to deal with situations where people become ill. This is why we developed WeCare, an offering that provides companies with holistic support on the topic of employee health.
