Mental Health is an Integral Part of Overall Health

On October 3rd, the Congress Innsbruck hall was filled with people from across the country, representing a wide range of professions - from nurses and psychologists to psychiatrists - alongside clients and supporters. The room buzzed with conversation, united by one common purpose: celebrating 50 years of Pro Mente.

Mental illness affects one in four people, often throwing lives into imbalance. Mental illness encompasses everyone who experiences mental difficulties, from burnout to schizophrenia. Pro Mente has been a vital support system for half a century, providing professional counselling, care, and guidance to those in need.

Gythe Eekhoutte and Johannes Arendt attended the event on behalf of their department and Bachelor’s program in Business Administration & Business Psychology, and the Master’s program in Business Psychology & Management. As awareness of mental health grows, its relevance in education and the workplace is becoming increasingly clear. Modern work environments are often characterized by high stress, constant connectivity, and rapid organizational change. In such settings, mental health challenges are common — not only for employees but also for leaders who must navigate these pressures responsibly.

That is why, within our Bachelor’s program in Business Administration & Business Psychology, we offer students the opportunity to earn a Mental Health First Aid certificate, led by Manuela Pillei – Schenner – an initiative from Pro Mente. This program focuses on building awareness, recognizing warning signs, and fostering mentally healthy workplaces — skills that are crucial for future leaders who aim to manage both people and challenges responsibly.

This growing awareness extends into the political sphere as well. Mayor Johannes Anzengruber, Landesrätin Eva Pawlata, and Landeshauptmann Anton Mattle all took the stage to underline a shared message:

“Mental health is an integral and inseparable part of overall health.”

Promoting responsible management is a core principle in all our programs, and our presence at this event highlights our ongoing commitment to this cause.

Finally, a heartfelt congratulations to Pro Mente for five decades of pioneering work in putting mental health firmly on the map.