“Depression: A Global Crisis”
By Blerta Sulhasi, MA, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
This year’s World Health Organization’s theme on World Mental Health Day is “Depression: A Global Crises”. Mental health difficulties are real and common, even in Kosova. Mental health centers in Kosova report that the number of people who require help related to mental health is growing, especially among adolescents.
The rapid changes brought on by our cultural and social transition, the psychological consequences of war, and poverty and unemployment as a result of a difficult economy, are factors that help to worsen the psychological state of Kosovars.
Despite an increasing need for mental health support, an insufficient budget allocated to the Ministry of Health, and a lack of statistics about people with mental health disorders, Kosovar society should not be discouraged from contributing to mental health issues. Every level of assistance is necessary, even by supporting or referring cases to available institutions, we help to ease the burden on people with mental health issues.
The School-based Psychological Services Program (SBPSP) calls on Kosovar society to more actively engage in promoting mental health this World Mental Health Day (October 10). SBPSP is dedicated to educating, advocating for and offering preventive and mental health treatment programs for Kosovar adolescents. SBPSP is hoping to expand its beneficial programming to other locations across Kosova, and not just to adolescents. We believe that everyone should understand and benefit from the essential impact mental health can have on our fitness and wellbeing.
Everybody is surrounded by people who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress or drug abuse. If these mental health challenges are left untreated, affected people will continue living in a disfavored state. If you have any friend, family member or colleague who has mental health challenges, you are probably thinking what can you do right now to help them more! Support them, listen to them carefully, respect them and talk with them gently to encourage them to speak with a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker. A well-trained mental health professional is skilled in how to identify and treat mental health issues and even how to prevent them.
Do not let people with mental health issues be impacted by stigma, lack of information or cost. We as community members should not be silent or ignore such cases. Schools, businesses, governmental institutions, not for profit organizations, public health servants and citizens, are responsible for promoting mental wellbeing and supporting prevention activities.
Different life events impact our well-being in different ways. They can cause sleep disturbances, difficulties with concentration, irritability, panic attacks, inability to calm down, a feeling of hopelessness, overeating or eating less, low energy, memory impairment, mood swings, relationship problems and so on. These are just some of the defining criteria for mental health challenges, which, depending on their duration and intensity, can have an impact on one’s social and professional life.
The good news is that just as mental health issues are common, they are also treatable. There are many scientifically verified ways that can help people going through difficult times, and to help them recover and continue living a productive life as before.
For more information on how to help people around you experiencing mental health issues, visit the School-based Psychological Services Program Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/QaZn1t.
Be aware that the recovery of your friend or family member’s from mental health issues can take time, but your social support has an essential role in their recovery.
This year’s World Health Organization’s theme on World Mental Health Day is “Depression: A Global Crises”. Mental health difficulties are real and common, even in Kosova. Mental health centers in Kosova report that the number of people who require help related to mental health is growing, especially among adolescents.
The rapid changes brought on by our cultural and social transition, the psychological consequences of war, and poverty and unemployment as a result of a difficult economy, are factors that help to worsen the psychological state of Kosovars.
Despite an increasing need for mental health support, an insufficient budget allocated to the Ministry of Health, and a lack of statistics about people with mental health disorders, Kosovar society should not be discouraged from contributing to mental health issues. Every level of assistance is necessary, even by supporting or referring cases to available institutions, we help to ease the burden on people with mental health issues.
The School-based Psychological Services Program (SBPSP) calls on Kosovar society to more actively engage in promoting mental health this World Mental Health Day (October 10). SBPSP is dedicated to educating, advocating for and offering preventive and mental health treatment programs for Kosovar adolescents. SBPSP is hoping to expand its beneficial programming to other locations across Kosova, and not just to adolescents. We believe that everyone should understand and benefit from the essential impact mental health can have on our fitness and wellbeing.
Everybody is surrounded by people who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress or drug abuse. If these mental health challenges are left untreated, affected people will continue living in a disfavored state. If you have any friend, family member or colleague who has mental health challenges, you are probably thinking what can you do right now to help them more! Support them, listen to them carefully, respect them and talk with them gently to encourage them to speak with a psychologist, psychiatrist or clinical social worker. A well-trained mental health professional is skilled in how to identify and treat mental health issues and even how to prevent them.
Do not let people with mental health issues be impacted by stigma, lack of information or cost. We as community members should not be silent or ignore such cases. Schools, businesses, governmental institutions, not for profit organizations, public health servants and citizens, are responsible for promoting mental wellbeing and supporting prevention activities.
Different life events impact our well-being in different ways. They can cause sleep disturbances, difficulties with concentration, irritability, panic attacks, inability to calm down, a feeling of hopelessness, overeating or eating less, low energy, memory impairment, mood swings, relationship problems and so on. These are just some of the defining criteria for mental health challenges, which, depending on their duration and intensity, can have an impact on one’s social and professional life.
The good news is that just as mental health issues are common, they are also treatable. There are many scientifically verified ways that can help people going through difficult times, and to help them recover and continue living a productive life as before.
For more information on how to help people around you experiencing mental health issues, visit the School-based Psychological Services Program Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/QaZn1t.
Be aware that the recovery of your friend or family member’s from mental health issues can take time, but your social support has an essential role in their recovery.