Hjärnkoll improves public attitudes
According to the World Health Organization, mental health conditions are one of the largest and fastest growing threats to public health in the world, particularly depression.
Why tackle stigma?
In Sweden, 1 in 4 experiences a mental health condition. 3 in 4 have experience or know someone with a mental health condition. Even though mental health conditions are very common, they are one of those great taboos not openly spoken about.
Discrimination towards people with mental illness and mental disability is widespread, and can lead to people losing their jobs, families and friends. Read more
Our mission
Hjärnkoll is Sweden´s biggest ever anti-stigma program. Our mission is to raise awareness, change public attitudes and end the discrimination faced by people with mental health conditions.
Hjärnkoll wants to get people talking about mental health and break the silence and taboos. Read more
Who are we?
The Swedish government initiated the national campaign in 2009. The Swedish Agency for Disability Policy Coordination (Handisam) and the National Collaboration for Improved Mental Health (NSPH) are in charge of the project that runs through 2014.
The project is fully funded by the Swedish governement.
Experience is key
People´s experience is at the heart of everything that we do nationally and locally. 200 local Hjärnkoll ambassadors go out and talk to the media, and in other settings, about their lives and how it is possible to lead a good life even with a mental health condition. Several famous people speak on behalf of the campaign. Read more
Involving employers
Everyone, including people with a mental health condition, should have the opportunity to benefit from the positive impact that good work has on physical and mental health. Reaching out to employers is an on-going aim of the campaign, as inclusive workplaces benefit both society and individuals. Read more
Our impact
Hjärnkoll evaluates the campaign on a regular basis. Results show improvement in public attitudes towards people with mental health conditions since the launch of Hjärnkoll in 2009. Every third person who in 2009 was concerned that people with mental health conditions lived in their neighbourhood, are now more positive.Read more about our progress
What can you do?
You can help to improve conditions for millions of people with mental health conditions. Breaking the silence is a very important contribution. Dare to talk openly about your own mental health and be persistent in keeping in touch with your friends and family members with mental health conditions. Read more about what you can do
