Sweden Highlights Mental Health Awareness Initiatives This October
Sweden is hosting a series of initiatives in October 2025 to raise awareness about mental health.
- • Mental Health Evening focuses on the impact of severe illness on families.
- • Skåneveckan features free events and educational activities for all ages.
- • Both initiatives aim to improve conversations around mental health.
- • Proceeds from events will go towards research in psychiatric and suicide prevention.
Key details
In October 2025, Sweden is ramping up efforts to raise awareness around mental health through various initiatives and events across the country. Notably, the Mental Health Evening, organized by Alexandra – för Kvinnor & Hälsa in collaboration with the Fonden för Psykisk Hälsa, will take place on October 13 at Intima teatern in Stockholm. The event aims toHighlight the impact of severe illness on the families and friends of those affected, featuring discussions led by psychiatrist Ullakarin Nyberg. Guests sharing personal stories will include Klas Bergling, father of the late music artist Avicii, and singer-songwriter Louise Hoffsten, who serves as an ambassador for the organizing association. Musical performances will also be part of the program, and all proceeds will go towards psychiatric and suicide prevention research in Sweden.
Simultaneously, Skåneveckan, running from October 5 in the Skåne region, aims to improve awareness and support for mental health issues. This initiative, coordinated by Studieförbundet Vuxenskolan, will offer a range of free activities including theater, film screenings, quizzes, and lectures, tailored for all ages. New this year, there will be a particular focus on the caregivers of those affected by mental health issues, a demographic often overlooked. Helene Henriksson, a health strategist at Region Skåne, emphasized the importance of open discussions about mental health in fostering hope and support among residents.
The week kicks off with a ‘Gå för psykisk hälsa’ event—a ‘walk and talk’ gathering in Sandskogen, where participants such as physiotherapists and ambassadors for mental health advocacy will engage in conversations aimed at promoting mental wellness and community connection.
These initiatives underscore Sweden’s commitment to addressing mental health challenges. Mental health issues are becoming increasingly recognized in society, and events like these aim to normalize conversations around them, support those affected, and encourage active community participation.