Mental Health: How to Avoid the Worst

Experts argue that the absence of mental pain is not well-being. According to the data presented, one in eight people in the world lives with a mental health problem. This is 13% of the population, i.e. 970 million, of which 52.4% are women and 47.6% are men. 71% of people with psychosis do not receive the health care they need.

Depression and anxiety together affect about 60% of the population and are 50% more common in women. But now, post-pandemic, experts expect the two mental disorders to rise by another 25%. Despite this, only 2% of total health spending is spent on mental health services. In Europe, only a third of countries (34%) have effective mental health policies and only 60% focus on prevention programmes, with an estimated one in four patients with serious mental disorders such as psychosis not being adequately covered. This data also requires decision-making at the central level, because only in this way will we begin to act more efficiently.

The above was emphasized by Dr. João Breda, Head of the Health Quality Office of the World Health Organization in Athens, speaking at the 1st International Mental Wellbeing Forum (1ο Διεθνές Φόρουμ Wellbeing) held in Zappeio Megaro (Athens). Mr Breda mentioned WHO’s alliance with 53 countries in the organization’s European Region, as well as a number of mental health organizations and other bodies. It brings together scientists and civil society to develop mental health services in the health system and to promote mental health throughout life. In this context, cooperation at the leadership level, the transformation of mental health services, the development of programs for emergency cases, and the promotion of the mental health of children, adolescents and young people, as well as the elderly (for the prevention of dementia), are encouraged.

Trikkeon Mayor Dimitris Papastergiou, speaking at the conference, mentioned the creation of “stable cities” that would not “disturb the mental balance”. Mr. Papastergiou noted that during the period of self-isolation, it became apparent that the amount of pollutants decreased, there was no traffic and noise, and birdsong could be heard in Athens. Citizens have rediscovered human relationships, finally having a lot of free time to think about what is valuable and what is not. Speaking of the Athenians’ familiarity with … the car horn, he spoke of cities whose citizens can safely move and walk, while being “environmentally friendly.”

The national coordinator for the implementation of the European Climate Agreement, Dinos Maceiras, referred to forecasts for 2040, when 80-90% of the population currently living in cities will reach 80-90%, and this means a doubling of the population. So – the complication of the problem of mental balance.

In the Varcities program, which provides for the promotion of health and well-being in cities, Dénia Kolokotsa, professor of environmental engineering at the Technical University of Crete, was mentioned. The researcher spoke about “a holistic approach to creating cities of the future, the inhabitants of which will constantly be in a” friendly atmosphere “and not lose their peace of mind.” The program develops quality indicators that take into account ecology, technology, social and cultural factors.

For her part, University of Virginia planning and health professor Jenny Rowe referred to urban planning for health and well-being, putting mental health at the center of global development strategies. Ms Rowe presented models of citieswhich have a lot of green spaces, opportunities for jogging (which greatly reduces stress and promotes mechanisms that help our immunity, our mood and our overall mental and physical health). In the “city of the future” citizens must have access to water bodies.

Thassos Stalikas Professor of Psychology and President of the Faculty of Psychology at Panteion University and President of the Hellenic Society positive psychology, focused on functionality, referring to the conclusions of the conference. Mr. Stalikas emphasized that the absence of mental pain after treatment for psychosis, bipolar disorder, anxiety and stress is not happiness. On the contrary, well-being and a normally functioning mental health system exists. Here’s what to take care of. In a pandemic, we have found that mental health is perhaps even more important than physical health. He also pointed out that the human brain does not work 100% alone, and almost everyone “needs company, a team, life in a community.”

Work is important because it takes up almost two-thirds of our time. And after hours, safety is important because threat or fear reduces productivity. Accordingly, employees must love what they do. Otherwise, after 5 years of work, they experience professional burnout, especially in a productive body, at the age of 30-45 years.

Pointing out that art prevents and cures mental illnessand also that we are the most dependent on psychotropic drugs in EuropeMr. Stalikas proposed the establishment of a National Mental Health Observatory at Panteion University.

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