Days of Solidarity with the mentally ill

World Health Organisation figures show that one in three people have had, are having or will have a mental health problem. This is a challenge that each of us can face in our lives. - 'We invite you to contact the UG Academic Psychological Support Centre, which from March 2021, operates for all female and male students, PhD students and employees of our University,' - says dr Agata Rudnik, Director of ACWP UG.

From September 12-18, 2021 will be the Days of Solidarity with the Mentally ill, organised by the Pomeranian Coalition for Mental Health as part of the social campaign 'Odmień swoją głowę!' The event will include a series of various meetings and workshops related to mental health issues.

Detailed programme

- 'We also invite you to watch a webinar organised by the Patient Dignity Foundation and the UG Academic Psychological Support Centre: Violations of the rights of mentally ill children and their parents/guardians in the health care system. During the meeting psychologist Aleksandra Szulman-Wardal and legal advisor Piotr Pawłowski will discuss, among others, the rights of parents and guardians of children with mental illness and how to protect children's rights and their own, breaking through institutional barriers,' - says dr Agata Rudnik, Director of ACWP UG.

The webinar will take place on September 14 at 5 p.m. For more information:

www.otwartebramy.org

www.odmienswojaglowe.org

www.facebook.com/odmienswojaglowe

www.facebook.com/otwartebramy.org

www.facebook.com/StowarzyszenieNaDrodzeEkspresji

World Health Organisation figures show that one in three people have had, are having or will have mental health problems. It is already known that the Covid-19 pandemic situation has meant that some people who were already struggling with symptoms of mental disorders have now started to experience them even more acutely. Before the pandemic began, well over 1.5 million people were receiving psychiatric treatment in our country. And the needs in this area are likely to grow soon.

- 'Thanks to the EZOP epidemiological study of mental disorders conducted in Poland, we know that even in almost 23.5% of people in the surveyed population, at least one disorder can be diagnosed,' - notes dr Agata Rudnik. - 'Most respondents needed help with alcohol addiction (11.9%), drug abuse and dependence (1.4%), neurotic disorders, including specific phobias (4.3%), social phobias (1.8%), as well as mood disorders - depression, dysthymia and mania (3.5%).'.

As experts from the UG Academic Psychological Support Centre emphasise, it is very important to normalise both a visit to a specialist and the mental disorders themselves. Until recently, many stereotypes circulated this topic, and in addition, sick people were often stigmatised. However, this is clearly changing, and the key is communication, talking as much as possible about the subject and showing that it is a problem that can affect anyone.

We would like to remind you that the Academic Psychological Support Centre, which has been operating since March 2021 for all female and male students, PhD students and employees of the University of Gdańsk, provides ad hoc psychological support free of charge and without the need to wait long for your turn. Within the Centre, it is possible to receive free help from psychologists and therapists (both online and stationary). From October 2021, the ACWP team will also be joined by a psychiatrist, dr. Przemysław Sieradzki.

All information about the rules and enrolment can be found at:

https://centrumwsparcia.ug.edu.pl/zasady/

On the website, you will also find downloadable materials that can help, among other things, in coping with stress and not only academic stress.

EMW / Press Office UG