Mental health promotion
Prevention is better than cure. Early intervention with the right kinds of support is the best medicine. If people feel vital and have healthy lifestyles, they are less vulnerable to stressful experiences. They are less likely to develop depression, anxieties or addictions. People who are mentally fit have better lives than people who lack the strength to cope with setbacks. Mental Vitality tries to strengthen that resilience.
Society benefits from good mental health. People take less sick leave, have lower health care costs and have higher labour productivity. http://www.icom.trimbos.nl/?pid=58
Preventing depression
Research has shown that preventative interventions work well to reduce the symptoms of depression, as well as to inhibit the onset of depression. Prevention measures thus deliver substantial health benefits. That is one reason why depression is a strong focus in Mental Vitality.
Internet
Mental Vitality uses novel techniques and methods delivered via the Internet. It also fits well into strategies against depression in which all stakeholders (community residents, patients, government authorities, health insurers and employers) undertake concerted action so as to maximise benefits.
Initiative
Mental Vitality is an initiative of the Netherlands Health Ministry (VWS) and is implemented by the Trimbos Institute.
