Stress, bullying, violence: what provokes mental disorders, and how to get help

Chronic stress, unfavorable situation in the family, bullying and other factors can trigger the mechanisms of mental disorders. About this and how to get help, told reporters on October 8, the leading researcher of the RSPC of mental health, candidate of medical Sciences Oksana Shilova, the correspondent of the agency “Minsk-Novosti”.

Photo is illustrative, Depositphotos

Belarus has a system of assistance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. The main specialized medical institution is the Republican Scientific and Practical Center for Mental Health.

- On the basis of our center there is a round-the-clock anti-crisis phone 133 (emergency psychological assistance), Shilova said. The incoming call - free and anonymous - the dispatcher redirects to specialists in the field, and this qualitatively helps people cope with a crisis situation.

O. Shilova called risk factors that can trigger the mechanisms of mental disorders. Chronic stress caused by financial instability, job loss or lack of social security leads to a decrease in quality of life and an increase in the number of depressions. A significant role is played by genetic predisposition, unfavorable atmosphere in the family, violence experienced in childhood, and bullying (bullying) in educational institutions for children, adolescents and young people. However, contrary to popular belief, gadgets and social networks are not a universal cause of problems. Their influence on the psyche of adolescents is always individual.

“The psyche of each person is unique,” added O. Shilova. Sometimes people remain mentally healthy despite a difficult family situation or bullying. And in other cases, even a minor factor can provoke a disorder if a person initially has a low level of defense mechanisms or there is a habit of using psychoactive substances, there are no skills to solve socio-psychological problems or there is a banal fear of specialized doctors, psychologists. It is very important to be able to talk about your problems in time and without fear to seek qualified help.

According to the expert, in the modern world, awareness comes to the fore when a person knows exactly where to go, what to do in a crisis situation and what phones to call.

- I really want the idea of psychiatry and psychotherapy, which was once filled with myths and fears, finally replaced by an adequate and fair attitude, concluded O. Shilova. Mental health is a place of hope and help, not a place of fear. They used to say: “If you behave badly, you will go to Novelty.” I want people today to say differently: “If it is difficult for you – in the novelties they will help you.” Call 133 will help you.”.

RSPC of mental health is located in the village of Novinki. It successfully treats patients with both severe mental illness and borderline disorders, childhood disorders and eating disorders (EBD). Specialized departments for emergency assistance to people after parasuicidal attempts are deployed in the center (both against the background of serious diseases and because of acute life dramas).