7.5 Mental health
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National strategy(ies)
A mental health policy and action plan for four years (2016) (“Stefna og aðgerðaráætlun í geðheilbrigðismálum til fjögurra ára”). Written by, The Ministry of Welfare and the Directorate of Health, along with other stakeholders on ministerial and municipal levels. The policy focuses on integrated and continuous service to people with mental disorders and their families, young people–mental health and prevention and prejudice and discrimination. The policy states an action plan with a timeframe and measures. The Ministry of Welfare, the Directorate of Health, and municipalities are responsible for the action plan. Further information (Icelandic): https://www.althingi.is/altext/145/s/1217.html
Improving the mental health of young people
Health-promoting upper secondary school program, administrated by the Directorate of Health. One of the main objects is mental health promotion. Checklists, guidelines, etc. are available for participating schools. The program is part of the Directorate of Health strategy and is included in the action plan and measures of the strategy for the Directorate. Research evidence from ICSRA. Further information (Icelandic): https://www.landlaeknir.is/hef
Get it out – project on suicide prevention (“Útmeð´a”). NGOs, the Icelandic Mental Health Alliance, and the Red Cross helpline are responsible for the program and focus on young people. The main objects are to make it easier for young people to look for professional assistance when needed. Further information (Icelandic): http://utmeda.is/almennar-upplysingar/
Compass&Total conseling, website (“Áttavitinn&Tótalráðgjöf”). Online information for young people, they can ask questions about health, sexual health, mental health, physical health, etc. and professionals answer the questions. Information and articles about these issues are on the website. Further information (Icelandic): http://www.attavitinn.is/total-radgjof
PIETA House (“PIETA hús”) NGO. The house is in the preparation process and will be opened in December 2017. They offer, free consulting from professionals and a support website for people contemplating suicide, relatives, and survivors of suicides. The Ministry of welfare and other sponsors fund the project. Further information (Icelandic): http://pieta.is/
Power minds (“Hugarafl”). NGO projects in close cooperation with state-run resources for people with mental disorders getting follow-up help after treatment. The Power minds program is built on Judi Chamberlin's ideas of how to work with people living with mental problems. Groups attend meetings and project work based on ways to recover with empowerment and recovery as a guiding light. One of the groups Young minds (“Unghugar”) is for the aged 18-30. Further information (Icelandic): http://www.hugarafl.is/