According to a government survey, mental illness has risen by 10 percent, and the risk of suicide has even tripled. Related to this is the bad mood in society and tense disputes over government measures related to the pandemic.
“While the feeling of fear resonated in the first wave, now it’s more of a frustration, perhaps associated with some mistrust,” says Marie Salomonová, the founder of the Don’t Drain the Soul project. However, according to her, Czech society still perceives the field of mental health as a certain stigma in comparison with Western Europe, so there is not much talk about it.
“I really think it would be appropriate for a mental health expert, whether a representative of a professional society or a hotline, to speak at one of the press conferences, or at least to highlight the hotline numbers for those who can turn, who are experiencing mental difficulties, “said Salomon.
According to the second guest of the show, the Archbishopric of Romuald of Prague, Štěpán Rob, it is in any case necessary to stick together, especially at present. “Reciprocity is important. Of course, we all make mistakes, I observe the current events, the regulations are demanding, we are all sinners, but we need to stick together… and move on, “he said, adding that the current situation reminded everyone that health professionals are not omnipotent and that we are all mortal. “All the more you need to stick together, love counts,” he added.
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He also reminded that in the first wave, a number of theologians from the Prague seminary joined and helped where it was needed.
“I recently spoke to someone who told me he was an infidel, and I told him that I was an infidel about his infidelity. Everyone in some way in the corner of our souls runs to the first cause of the existence of everything that we believe is the love of all loves, and there we seek strength and energy. We are so done, I think even unspoken prayers count, “he stressed.
What will be the covid generation?
The current situation also has an impact on the mental health of children and young people, not only due to distance learning, but also due to a lack of incentives, little sports and privacy or conflicts in the family, the study shows. On the other hand, the Deloitte survey mentions that it may be a kind of “reset” for the millennial generation or Z (children of the new millennium), that, for example, working from home will reduce stress and thus better balance young people with work and private life. life.
“According to a survey by the National Institute of Mental Health, the mental health of young people has been hit the hardest,” Salomon agreed. Exact numbers about children are not available, but numbers from the Trust and Safety Line say that family conflicts have indeed increased and that children have little privacy, cannot make phone calls, just chat, and that the safe environment that children have been looking for in schools, too not now.
And even the older generation is more vulnerable during this period. However, according to Priest Rob, older people are often also very brave. “They are careful, in any case the older generation is marked by war and they are perhaps much braver than the young adults. On the contrary, they are worried about those born earlier, “he remarked.
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In any case, the pandemic affects the mental state of many people. But how to tell what is just a bad mood and what would already require the care of an expert? According to Salomon, the moment when mental difficulties begin to affect the activity more than is pleasant for the person concerned, for example, he cannot get rid of the feeling of any hobby he previously had and can cultivate it with various restrictions, or if “moods” begin to affect his work or social life, it is good to seek professional help.
And he adds that from the point of view of psychohygiene, it is important to maintain a certain regular regime. “Especially enough sleep, a balanced diet, cultivating contact with loved ones, even at a distance, maintaining contact with the world. But I also have some limited time spent on news, checking numbers and records, “she stressed.
Finally, she added that if someone needs quick advice now, it is best to call crisis or trust lines. Two are available all the time and are free, she reminded. “One is a helpline for adults, a first aid line, at 116 123. And then a safety line for children, young people and students under the age of 26 on 116 111,” she added.
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