Can gadgets and social networks cause mental disorders, said the expert

The state of mental well-being is a very important component of health: it allows a person to cope with stress, realize their potential, learn and work productively, and actively participate in society. Leading researcher of the State Institution “RSPC of Mental Health”, Candidate of Medical Sciences Oksana Shilova spoke about the factors that affect the level of mental health, writes sb.by.

She noted:

- These are conditions related to social security, job security, education. Among the individual risk factors for the development of mental disorders are heredity, characteristics of family relationships, physical violence in childhood, bullying in educational institutions.

The provision of specialized psychiatric care plays an important role. It is organized at a high level in Belarus. There is an opportunity to contact a specialist anonymously - both paid and free; at the disposal of doctors there is an extensive list of high-quality drugs. The 133 anti-crisis phone is available around the clock, a conversation with a service specialist helps to cope with a crisis situation. As for the RSPC of mental health, it is the largest hospital in Europe, which not only provides specialized psychiatric care, but also operates a large research center.

- There is much talk about the effect of gadgets and social networks on the risk of developing mental disorders. However, it is important to understand that each person’s mental health is individual. One remains healthy against all odds: a dysfunctional family system, bullying. And for the development of a mental disorder in another, a minor incident is enough, the specialist noted.

Definitely negatively affects the mental health of young people low level of protective mechanisms. This is manifested, for example, in the use of psychoactive substances, weak skills or even inability to solve emerging problems or talk about them, fear of seeking help from a psychologist.

“The formation of protective mechanisms is one of the most important directions in the development of psychiatry, including preventive,” says Oksana Shilova. We must help people learn to appreciate mental and physical health, as well as life itself. This is especially important for the prevention of suicidal behavior. The specialist called the basic rules that will help to cope with anxiety and depression in a mild form