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How to detect a mental health pathology in time? In the Municipal Corporation of La Florida, in Chile, they carry out actions in this regard. Loneliness? Sadness? Incomprehension? Stress? Lack of self confidence? Financial or relationship problems? Illnesses of children or a loved one? Workplace abuse? Sexual abuse? Many causes carry with them an emotional burden that can trigger depression.
On October 10, World Mental Health Day was commemorated around the world. A date that leads us to wonder what situations lower our spirits and lead people to suffer from depression or other pathologies linked to psychology or psychiatry.
"Sometimes, there are tangible reasons that undermine mental health. On other occasions, we find endogenous depressions, those that arise through a genetic load, that is, biological," says the Secretary General of Health and Education of Florida. , Janett Fernandez.
With all this and at a general level, how can we detect in our immediate environment, whether at work or in the family, a person whose mental health has decreased? What should we look for to help?
Some keys, understanding that mental health problems alter emotions, thoughts and behaviors. Namely:
The technical reference for Mental Health of the Municipal Corporation of La Florida, Nicole Saint-Jean, recommends making a difference between children, adolescents and adults when considering a mental pathology, since the youngest ones do not have the tools to detect what's wrong with them
"We adults are the ones who must interpret whether children or adolescents are starting an emotional disorder, for example," he says.
Then, he specifies that “we must consider that each person is unique and parents should know the strengths and know the usual behavior of their child,” says Saint-Jean.
Consequently, in the event of any change in sleep or loss of interest, in addition to withdrawal or cancellation of activities, Saint-Jean comments that "they are signs, separately, that do not account for a disorder, but what is going to be clear In this, it is the repetition and a change in behavior that has repercussions at the family, social and individual level.
Certainly, on the part of adults, although they have ways of knowing how to look and stop in their thoughts, the specialist points out that one should understand if we feel anxiety for no apparent reason, that is, in case something happens due to stress, worries or feelings. sadness, a feeling that could occur and stay with a person for longer than normal. "Two or three symptoms lead to being alert to consult," says Saint-Jean.
Psychologists, general practitioners and social workers in Cesfam are part of the professionals at the primary care level. Likewise, the Florida Health Corporation has the Mental Health Center, which treats pathologies of greater complexity, which are seen by specialists.
In addition, there is the Comprehensive School Health program and the Alsino Day Hospital, to treat dual pathologies of alcohol and drug addiction. A timely and rapid care network to address mental health in the population of Florida.
