October 10 - World Mental Health Day

(Patria) - On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, October 10, the Institute for Health and Food Safety of Zenica emphasizes that with guidelines and procedures for work in educational institutions, it supports a safer stay for students and teachers at school during classes, and thus does everything to protect their health and prevent the spread of the epidemic within educational institutions.

The new school year has begun, and students and teaching staff have faced new challenges this school year that require a lot of energy and adaptation. "Online" classes, group classes, attending classes with masks, limited movement, these are all new aspects brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is normal for all the circumstances surrounding us to affect our mental health. It is completely normal to sometimes feel anxious, isolated, disappointed, and confused, emphasize experts from INZ.

INZ's expert associate in the field of mental health, a graduate psychologist and "gestalt" psychotherapist Esmin Brodlija says that the World Health Organization defines mental health as a state of well-being in which an individual realizes his or her potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to contribute to the community.

- Professionals who provide help to people with mental health problems are doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, psychotherapists, social workers, medical technicians and nurses at the Mental Health Center, as well as occupational therapists and social workers, Brotlija states, among other things, in his message on the occasion of World Mental Health Day, adding that all these people in Health Centers, hospitals, Addiction Treatment Centers, Social Work Centers, Mental Health Centers, as well as some non-governmental organizations, care for and help the entire population.

Brodlija notes that the threat of the new coronavirus COVID-19 further increases fear and uncertainty, and the danger of jeopardizing mental health.

- In such a situation, it is normal to feel sad, nervous, confused, scared, and angry, but there is no need for excessive fear that could overwhelm us and lead to a deterioration of our psychological status and reckless behavior, adds Brotlija.

He recommends talking to "trusted individuals" to whom one should express how they feel. He also appeals that if you notice that another person is having problems, do not mock them, but try to talk to them about it and "actively listen".

- It is very important to practice relaxation techniques, sports activities, listen to music, and learn self-support techniques, says Brotlija.

Although we still live in an environment of stigma and prejudice, talking about our feelings, emotions, and events that cause us stress should not be an additional problem for us.

We should not be ashamed to seek and listen to the advice of mental health professionals or to approach them personally if we have a problem that we cannot solve on our own.