MADRID: In the Spanish capital, there is a space dedicated to alleviating mental health from its taboo designation. La Lloreria, or the "crying room," is accessible for anyone that needs to vent or release their grievances in a healthy way through crying and seeking help.
With signs that read "enter and cry" or "I also have anxiety", it helps visitors feel more comfortable and safe, in a judgement-free zone. On one side of the room, people can find a cage, symbolizing their inner mayhem regarding anxiety and how it makes them feel trapped but showing that there is always a way out.
There are also phones available in the corner with contacts you can call when you need to talk the sadness out, including a psychologist.
"It is a brilliant idea way to present the mental health issue. Crying is frowned upon in many other countries. This helps destigmatize it," said Jon, a Swedish studying in Madrid.
Concurrently, Pedro Sanchez, Spain's Prime Minister, also launched a €100 million mental healthcare initiative, with facilities like a 24-hour suicide helpline.
"It is not some forbidden myth. Mental illness is a public health problem that we must discuss, make noticeable and proceed consequently," he said as he announced the plan on World Mental Health Day.
In Spain, 3,671 people lost their lives to suicide in 2019. One in 10 adolescents has been diagnosed as suffering from a mental health condition, while 5.8 per cent of the population have reported experiencing anxiety, data shows.