«Achieving good mental health means also investing in non-health resources»

– What does it mean to have good mental health?

– On the Osakidetza website we find a definition that can guide us. It defines it as ‘a mental state that allows us to develop our daily lives with sufficient motivation, tranquility and effectiveness. It enables us to cope with the normal stresses of life without feeling overwhelmed, relate to others satisfactorily or fulfill our obligations adequately.’

– What does that mean?

– That we can all go through regular days or periods in which we feel a certain nervousness or discouragement, but the usual thing is that these are temporary and do not prevent us from continuing with our habits and obligations.

– If that happens, do problems start?

– In these cases it is advisable to follow some self-care guidelines, seek support in the environment and it is not necessary to undergo treatment. If the situation becomes long-lasting or significant difficulties appear in carrying out daily activities, it is advisable to consult with a health professional. And of course, if certain warning signs appear, such as thoughts of suicide, we should consult as soon as possible.

– What are the alarm factors that can alert us that we are facing a mental health problem?

– Mental illness is varied and the signs that can warn us of a possible mental disorder are not the same in all cases. If we focus on the most common disorders, which are anxiety and depressive disorders, in the first case the typical symptoms would include excessive sadness, loss of interest or the ability to enjoy as before, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, sleep disturbances or appetite, among other symptoms. In the second, great nervousness, concentration problems, physical symptoms such as palpitations, respiratory distress or excessive worries and fears with or without avoidance behaviors, etc.

– In February, the Department of Health opened a day hospital in Donostia for adolescents with mental health problems. Are these symptoms increasingly seen in younger people?

– In 2021 we observed a clear increase in the number of young patients treated. Currently, the situation seems to be stabilizing, although we still have figures around 10-11% higher than those of the pre-pandemic era.

– Lately, much emphasis has been placed on the use of mobile devices and the effect they have on mental health, especially in this population. What pathologies can develop if these devices are abused?

– Although studies have shown that they can have positive effects on physical and mental well-being, recent studies also indicate that excessive use carries risks of addictive behavior and can have a negative impact on people’s well-being. It has been associated with depressed mood, anxiety and feelings of loneliness. Social networks allow us to connect with other people, but at the same time they can foster feelings of inadequacy or low self-esteem. Excessive use can also interfere with a night’s rest, which is essential for good mental health.

– Do you advocate restricting the use of these devices?

– It is important to establish healthy habits in the use of these technologies and be aware of the risks that excessive use may entail. We must also educate minors in these habits, and we have tools to limit use or exposure to content that is not appropriate for their age.

– There is a lot of focus lately on the young population, but do our older people also suffer from mental health problems?

– Of course. For example, in the last year 8.5% of our patients were people over 75 years of age and the mental illness that we most frequently treated in this group was mood or depressive disorders. To these figures we have to add the cases attended by primary care, which are more numerous.

– Do we have enough resources in Gipuzkoa and Euskadi to care for all these people?

– Attention to mental health requires a vision throughout life and a health approach in all policies that includes, for example, measures in education, work… Therefore, to aspire to achieve a good mental health in the population we must also invest in resources that are not only health and do so at all stages of life. That said, and from a more focused approach on the health system, we are in a situation of shortage of professionals that forces us to look for new formulas. It is one of the main challenges we face at the moment. On the other side of the scale we have the emergence of new technologies, many of them focused on mental health, which are already used successfully in other countries, and which I believe can help us improve access to help in certain countries. cases.

– Is it still a taboo topic to talk about mental health or is there a change?

– There continues to be fear and misinformation, a fact that makes it difficult for affected people to ask for help and also the ability of family, friends or colleagues to help. The situation seems to be changing and we now talk more naturally about these illnesses, which is positive, although sometimes the meaning or implications of mental illness are trivialized. There is still a way to go.

– Are these problems solved with a pill?

– Drugs may be the treatment of choice in some cases, in others not. An assessment by a professional is always necessary, who will be the one to decide first if there is a mental health problem and, second, what the most appropriate treatment is.

– How likely is it that a mental health problem will end in suicide?

– In general, mental disorder increases the risk of suicide, but mental health problems are varied and their relationship with suicide is not uniform. Treatment of the disorder can greatly reduce this risk.

– Does a suicide always hide a psychiatric pathology behind it?

– A mental disorder is not always detected but its association is quite common.