Salud Mental

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Mental health

Depression is the third leading cause of morbidity and disability among adolescents, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among older adolescents ages 15-19. Violence, poverty, humiliation and feelings of worthlessness can increase the risk of mental health problems. Promoting the development of life skills in children and adolescents and offering them psychosocial support in school and other community settings are measures that can help promote their mental health. Programs that provide support to strengthen ties between adolescents and their families also play an important role. If problems do arise, they must be detected and managed by competent and empathetic healthcare workers.

What should you know about the Depression?

Depression is an illness characterized by persistent sadness and loss of interest in activities that are normally enjoyed, as well as the inability to carry out daily activities, for at least two weeks.
In addition, people with depression often have several of the following symptoms: loss of energy; changes in appetite; need to sleep more or less than normal; anxiety; decreased concentration; indecision; concern; feelings of worthlessness, guilt, or hopelessness; and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
Much can be done to prevent and treat depression

What can you do if you are discouraged or think you may be depressed?

Talk about your feelings with someone you trust.
Seek professional help. Talking to a local healthcare professional or your GP is a good starting point.
Don't isolate yourself. Keep in touch with family and friends.
Exercise regularly, even if it's just a short walk.
Maintain regular eating and sleeping habits.
Avoid or limit alcohol intake and refrain from using illicit drugs, as these products can worsen depression.
Keep doing the things you've always loved, even when you don't feel like it.
Become aware of your persistent negative and self-critical thoughts and try to replace them with positive thoughts. Congratulate yourself on your achievements.

Remember: there are many things you can do to stay mentally strong. If you think you may be slipping into depression, talk to someone you trust or seek professional help. WHO campaign

Are mental illnesses curable?

People with a mental illness can be cured or recovered with proper treatment. However, many people continue to suffer from mental illness and do not seek treatment due to the stigma attached to this type of illness. Stigma has its social origin in ancient times, and for this reason it is slow to overcome and continues to influence to a greater or lesser extent all social spheres: family, neighborhood, work, the media, and also in the health and professional spheres of the community. mental health.

At Comfenalco EPS we currently provide you with mental health care with our new provider Oportunidad de Vida. If you have any of these symptoms, go to your IPS doctor to be able to give you guidance and referral.

Advice and Care

Family, social life and feelings management

Involving the family in care is aimed at sharing tasks and responsibilities, reorganizing family and social life. It is necessary to have the help of other people, even if it does not come out spontaneously from them to offer it. For this reason, on some occasions anger, hostility, silence appear... uncomfortable situations and negative feelings that do not help in care. It is important to identify and combat these feelings in order to find ourselves in a better mood when carrying out care.