Reflections on United Nations SDGs:
n.3 Good Health and Well-Being

Universidade Católica Portuguesa has realized this insight through the written article of  Lurdes Veríssimo, coordinator of the University Psychology Clinic, and the video of Sofia Torneiro, undergraduate student of psychology

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015 with the goal of providing a path for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. The core of the Agenda is represented by the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which represent an urgent call for action by all countries – developed and developing – in a global partnership to adopt strategies that aim to end poverty and other deprivations, improve health and education, reduce inequality, and spur economic growth. The Strategic Alliance of Catholic Research Universities is collecting insights from SACRU experts and students on the SDGs. This contribution is by Universidade Católica Portuguesa on SDG n3: Good Health and Well-Being.

What is the role of universities in the promotion of mental health?

Written by Lurdes Veríssimo, coordinator of University Psychology Clinic (CUP)

In 2015, the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) #3 was set to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages by 2030. However, the latest WHO Mental Health Report (2022) indicates that one billion people (more than 1 in 8 adults and adolescents) worldwide still suffer from a mental disorder, such as depression or anxiety. Moreover, the 2024 SDG Report highlighted the global progress is “alarmingly insufficient”, falling significantly short of the targets set. Specifically, concerning mental health, a reduction by a third of the mortality rate from intentional self-harm/suicide is expected by 2030 (SDG 3.4.2. indicator). How can this be achieved? It is essential to assume an integrated, developmental, and systemic approach. In this context, Universities play a paramount role in SDG3, through Teaching (e.g., psychologists’ training), Research (e.g., identification of predictors of mental health), and University Social Responsibility activities (e.g., services in the community). At Universidade Católica Portuguesa we have worked to enhance mental health and psychological well-being of the community, through the University Psychology Clinic, a service provided by the Faculty of Education and Psychology, since 2007.

In addition to a psychotherapeutic framework, an early approach to promoting mental health and preventing mental disorders is crucial. Thus, at our university, we have designed and implemented numerous initiatives, such as the recently launched UCP2 Mental Health project, which aims to create an integrated system for promoting mental health. We have also developed initiatives aimed at promoting mental health skills in children and parents. For instance, the project “Sou Capaz” aims to develop skills such as self-awareness, self-control, social awareness, relation skills and responsible decision-making in children. The programme “Aprender a Educar” develops positive parenting practices in order to promote mental health. By implementing supportive policies, providing psychological services, creating and fostering awareness for students and for community, Universities play a crucial role in achieving SDG#3.