Česky
Pressure on performance and social networks
Unfortunately, mental health problems and the associated risk of suicide do not escape any age group, yet experts have recently noted an increase in mental health problems among children and adolescents. "The younger generation may be more burdened by the pressure to perform and compare themselves to peers on social media. In practice, they face different challenges than the previous generation, and therefore their problems are often harder for us to understand, but this does not reduce the level of this burden," points out Matěj Kasal, MD, head of outpatient clinics at the Beroun Hospital Mental Rehabilitation Centre.
Let's be together
The prevention of mental discomfort in both children and adults is mutual communication, which should primarily take place in the family. "It is always a question of upbringing, of relationships within the family. The basic rule we should follow is to be together first and foremost. To talk about things, about everyday life, to be interested in each other. For example, instead of the classic question: what happened at school? we can ask a different question: what pleased you, what annoyed you, what went well? This small change in communication can bring big results," explains Matěj Kasal.
Early help is crucial
If we are already experiencing psychological discomfort, we can turn to crisis centres where we can get help quickly and in a timely manner. "In the Czech Republic, we have a well-established system of crisis lines, which are a very good first contact. We can also make use of the system of acute services, such as emergency rooms in psychiatric hospitals. At the Centre for Mental Rehabilitation, we are prepared for such situations and we also receive patients in an acute state. We take a highly human and empathetic approach, which is not only essential for the treatment of such conditions," concludes Matěj Kasal.
