Skopje, 3 May 2023 (MIA) - Mental health is becoming a topic of increased discussion at a global level as common mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are considered to be the most frequent mental disorders in the world. Such issues have major negative consequences on the physical and mental health of individuals, as well as on the national health and social systems, Health Minister Fatmir Mexhiti told Wednesday's national conference on Mental Health: Progress and Ways Forward, organized by UNICEF. 

"This is a multi-sectoral element where multiple stakeholders need to participate in dealing with mental health. The Ministry of Health is proud to have succeeded with the support of UNICEF and USAID, as well as the University Clinics for Psychiatry and Gynecology, to provide scientific data, for the first time on such a scale in the country on this topic, with a focus on adolescents and their families, as well as women in the perinatal period. We base our activities on a scientific approach, i.e. evidence-based medicine. Deep gratitude to UNICEF for the support they demonstrated in the research activities, and in turn we provided high quality reports. These studies are the basis, the foundation of all further policies in this sphere," the Minister pointed out. 

The Ministry of Health, he added, already has a Mental Health Strategy 2018-2025, but still there's possibility to revise it, particularly paying attention to children and adolescents.   

"The first priority of the National Health Strategy is the mental health of children and adolescents, i.e. the development of a network of institutions in the country with the help of the European Union - concrete project plans are expected during this year. We noticed a lack of services, and it is evident that mental health is a "silent" epidemic after the COVID pandemic, especially among children and young people," he stressed. 

The Minister noted that experts are needed for quality work in the field of mental health.

"However, raising awareness and conducting public campaigns for the promotion of mental health, as well as reducing the stigma of seeking help and support, is a very important element," he added.

In addition to building human capacities, Mexhiti pointed out, the Health Ministry is also focused on improving infrastructure conditions, thus mentioning that reconstruction of the Psychiatric Clinic will begin in two weeks.   

It is time to break the silence and speak honestly, loudly and openly about mental health, said First Lady Elizabeta Gjorgievska.

"Mental health is a global issue. Over 1 billion people, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), suffer from some form of mental disorder, while UNICEF estimates that 1 in 7 children and young people across the world have mental health issues. Today we will have the opportunity to hear the latest research findings on the impact of COVID-19 on mental health among adolescents and their families, as well as among women in the perinatal period, in North Macedonia. I welcome this extremely significant study carried out by UNICEF in collaboration with the University Clinic of Psychiatry - Skopje, which will not only give us a clearer picture of the situation in the country on this critical issue, but also directions on how to overcome these challenges. Joint engagement of all relevant stakeholders, decision-makers, health, educational and social institutions, timely institutional response, given the urgency of the issue and its growth, is inevitable," she said. 

Gjorgievska urged for breaking down stereotypes and creating an environment in which mental health care will be generally accepted, and not a taboo topic.

"An environment in which asking for help will be recognized as a sign of strength, not weakness," she added. 

Deputy Labor Minister Enver Husejin stressed the importance of today's event, noting it was an honor and pleasure to attend it. He pointed out though that very little attention is being paid to mental health.

UNICEF Representative Patrizia DiGiovanni said children and young people experienced different levels of positive mental health and well-being in their lifetime. 

"Global research suggests that one in 10 of them will also experience a mental health condition. In addition, according to a UNICEF global research, three in four mental health issues among adults have originated in childhood and adolescence. That is why it is important to address mental health issues early," she stressed. 

Deputy Education Minister Agim Nuhiu also addressed the event. 

Photo: Darko Popov MIA