– Mental Health Today
Given that, we all are active members of the society, it is rather normal for all of us to have been deeply affected , not only in our way of living but also in other less obvious functions, such as our thoughts and emotions, by the dramatic socioeconomic changes that are taking place the last few years.
According to a survey conducted by the University of Ioannnina, among a representative general population sample of 4894 people (Scapinakis et al., BMC Psychiatry, 2013), a percentage of about 14% exhibits moderate or severe psychopathology, with women showing a higher percentage than men. The most common and frequent type of mental disorder in Greece is Generalized Anxiety Disorder followed by depressive episodes, while it seems that the percentage pertaining to alcohol and other substances abuse is quite high too. (Scapinakis et al., BMC Psychiatry, 2013).
There has also been a considerable increase in the number of suicides, without even counting in the unsuccessful suicide attempts that did not result in death. According to data gathered by the Suicide Intervention Helpline 1018 the past 2 years (http://www.klimaka.org.gr), an approximate percentage of 20% of the people who rang the line were unemployed, while 16.4% have mentioned financial issues as the main cause of their suicidal behavior.
It would be inaccurate to suggest that people ail solely due to socio-economic crisis, however, a hard daily routine can add significant strain on the quality of life and on mental health, thus rendering the individual susceptible to mental disorders. Not to mention, that due to constant curtailment of supporting structures and framework, individuals, who are in need and wish to get help, often reach an impasse.
Médecins du Monde, as part of their humanitarian action, have developed a network of mental health professionals -psychologists and psychiatrists- who offer their services, free of charge, to those who need them. Through actions aimed at vulnerable social groups (homeless people, substance abusers) and by providing psychological support and consultation to the beneficiaries of the Open Polyclinics of Athens and Piraeus, Médecins du Monde endeavor to fill the complex needs of individuals who are in need of such services but they do not have access to them.
Sometimes even to live is an act of courage, as Seneca has said, and to this end Médecins du Monde could not be but an ally and helper.
