Sixth Ogle mental health festival to be held in Riga, Latvia
The sixth Ogle mental health festival will take place in Riga, Latvia, on September 11–12. Over two days, around 40 events involving more than 60 specialists — psychologists, psychiatrists and psychotherapists — as well as artists, musicians and other participants are planned in the quarter on Tallinas Street.
As LSM English reports, the festival aims to create a safe and supportive space for unbiased conversations about topics that are often silenced or stigmatized. In particular, these include mental health problems and suicide risks.
The festival was founded after a family tragedy
The Cepurītis family created a platform for such conversations after the death of their son Māris, who died by suicide eight years ago. His mother, Irena Cepurīte, co-founder of the Ogle association, said that 40 days after her son's death, a memorial gathering was held, attended by his friends and acquaintances.
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During the conversations, many of them spoke about their own mental health crises and suicidal thoughts. After that, the association began organizing the first Ogle festival. According to Cepurīte, the event is preventive in nature and helps participants better understand their own emotions and condition, as well as be more attentive to loved ones, friends and colleagues.
Discussions and consultations
The festival program will cover addictions, depression, bipolar disorder, breathing and voice practices, handwriting analysis and art therapy. Project coordinator Alona Alekseyeva said visitors will be offered discussions with an opportunity to ask questions, lectures, practical sessions and individual consultations with specialists.
Admission to the festival will be free. Donations for the future work and initiatives of the Ogle association will also be collected at the venue. Among the charitable activities, visitors will be able to get a tattoo in exchange for a contribution.
