#WeWontRest. For me, one of the greatest battles is ensuring mental wellbeing for all
15.11.18
"#WeWontRest because to rest is to fail to challenge ourselves; to stop pushing the boundaries of science; to stop addressing unmet need. And for me, one of the greatest battles is ensuring mental wellbeing for all."
One of the biggest global health challenges we face right now is mental illness. The statistics are shocking – currently, more than one third of people in Europe suffer with mental health problems and we know that the impact is felt far and wide, not only affecting the people living with these conditions, but also the people around them – friends, family and society as a whole.
I am a firm believer in the mission of Dr Brock Chisholm, the first Director-General of the World Health Organisation, who said that “without mental health there can be no true physical health”. But what can we do about ensuring mental wellbeing for all?
At Janssen, we have a proud heritage in mental health. Our founder Dr Paul Janssen developed the first antipsychotic therapy that allowed patients to be treated at home. Our commitment to understanding more about the brain and central nervous system health has not wavered for the past 60 years.
We have a legacy of delivering innovative medicines for mental health conditions that have a significant impact on the quality of life for those living with them, as well as their family. We are truly passionate about understanding patients’ needs –our company is founded on creating medicines that address the unmet needs of millions of people around the world.
This is why, we won’t rest because to rest is to fail to challenge ourselves; to stop pushing the boundaries of science; to stop addressing unmet need. And for me, one of the greatest battles is ensuring mental wellbeing for all.
Over the years, I’ve seen those close to me affected by mental health conditions and this is why it is a topic very close to my heart. My youngest brother was diagnosed with schizophrenia. This showed me how a disease can disrupt and hinder an entire family, and I vividly remember the relief we all felt when he found the right treatment and started to reclaim his life.
I am proud to work for a company that is committed to mental health and to delivering innovative medicines that address the most serious and complex medical challenges of our time.
