Annual World Mental Health Day (10 October) was most relevant this year, which has marked a period of health emergency, uncertainty and stress. For some people, it has meant having to deal with emotional problems, such as, anxiety, insomnia and depression. Taking stock of the evidence of an increase in such problems, the Canton Ticino, member of the Regions for Health Network (RHN), has stepped up its efforts to address them.
Wrong assumptions about mental health issues are still common
For many people, living with severe emotional discomfort and trying to hide it because of shame and/or fear of the reactions of others is unfortunately still a reality today. The idea that a person suffering from mental illness is personally responsible for his/her condition, and that being able to deal with it requires willpower, is widespread. These beliefs contribute to the suffering of those affected and their families. Psychic disorders continue to be highly prevalent: in 2017, almost a quarter (24.3%) of the population of Ticino showed symptoms of medium to severe psychological distress (according to self-reported data).
In recent months, the spread of the pandemic and its significant impact on daily life – affecting, for example, habits and social contacts – has put people’s mental well-being to the test. This is demonstrated in data from the Ticino psychological hotline, which received more than 150 requests for support in the first months of the pandemic.
Promoting openness, dialogue and understanding to address mental-health problems
Although talking to someone – be it a family member, a trusted friend, or a professional – about mental and emotional troubles is an important step in the right direction, greater openness and understanding on the part of society is needed to encourage timely intervention.
To this end, the Ticino Department of Health and Socialization (DSS), in collaboration with Liberalamente (the Association of Italian Switzerland for Depressive, Anxious and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders), has just released a video to raise greater awareness about what it means to suffer from depression and mental illnesses and to promote the provision of prompt, unprejudiced support to those in need. The video could also be an inspiration to other regional and local health authorities confronted with similar challenges.