The cornerstone
MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realise their potential, learn and work well, and contribute to their community.
We believe mental health is both a universal human right and a vital public health priority, integral to human dignity. Like physical health, it shapes every aspect of our lives: how we think, feel, act, form relationships, make choices and contribute to the world around us. It is a cornerstone of overall well-being and deeply interconnected with physical health: “There is no health without mental health.”
Every person’s mental health journey is unique, moving through periods of well-being, distress and, sometimes, the challenges of living with mental health conditions or psychosocial disabilities. These experiences are not rare – they are part of being human. The type of support that people receive in response to mental health needs can make the difference between recovery or ongoing suffering. Our aim is to help more people access appropriate support when they need it, wherever they are.
Mental health is influenced by the world around us – by inequality, trauma, environment, culture and connection. Today, climate change, conflict, displacement and social disruption are intensifying these pressures, making mental health one of the defining issues of our time. For this reason, in addition to providing support, we must also stand against injustice and promote a world that is less harmful to mental health – a world where people can thrive.
At Fondation d’Harcourt, we are increasingly aware that wider social and development objectives cannot be met without mental health being considered. A healthy and educated population, fair economy and respectful relationship with nature all depend on, and benefit, mental health.
