The Senate Health Commission met this Thursday to advance the Presentation on mental health and suicide preventionestablished within the Upper House with the objective of preparing a National Plan to prevent suicide. To achieve this, they have opened the doors to the appearance of experts from different organizations to carry out a diagnosis and present the specific needs they observe in this area.
In this way, the first person to appear this Thursday was the general secretary of the General Council of Official Nursing Colleges of Spain (CGE), Diego Ayuso Murillowho has conveyed to the senators present that the situation and impact on the mental health of the population is “really alarming and still generates an enormous stigma among those affected,” in a field where “nurses have a lot to contribute.” .
“We are the largest health group in Spain and we are present in all areas of care, so the opportunity we have to add value to the mental health space is very great”
Along these lines, Ayuso has conveyed the importance of nursing care also in the emotional spectrum of health. “We are trained to make a comprehensive and holistic assessment of people – biological, physical, mental and social -, we are also the largest healthcare group in Spain and we are present in all areas of assistance, so the opportunity we have to add value to the mental health space is very great,” he highlighted.
In relation to his group, the general secretary of the CGE has asked the senators to invest in different aspects such as “specialized training and recognition of professional categories”, “prevention and health education from childhood” with the important role of school nurses, as well as the need for “increase the ratio of nurses” in our country, among others. Finally, it has asked the Commission to take into account the concept of “taking care of those who take care of us” in its final conclusions, also in the psychological field.
He has called to “dignify” and “count on patients” to offer the best treatments; as well as working to “improve social perception and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental disorders”
In turn, the president of the Spanish Society of Psychiatry and Mental Health (SEPSM), Marina Díaz Marsáhas claimed in his speech the role of psychiatrists “as specialist medical professionals who work so that people with mental disorders stop suffering and have complete integration into society.” Along these lines, he has called to “dignify” and “count on patients” to offer the best treatments; as well as working to “improve social perception and eliminate the stigma surrounding mental disorders.”
In an analysis of the situation, Díaz Marsá has confirmed the “increase in prevalence and demand” in mental health care. Along these lines, he has pointed out some harmful factors such as cannabis consumption, social networks, unwanted loneliness or lack of conciliation. “The highest prevalence of mental illnesses are fundamentally the common ones (depression, anxiety or insomnia) that reach up to 10-15% of the population, while serious episodes – more stigmatized – reach 5% of Spaniards,” he explained. .
The president of SESP has focused on serious mental incidents that lead to suicide, such as “endogenous depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder and eating disorders.”
The president of SESP has focused on serious mental incidents that are close to suicide, such as “endogenous depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, personality disorder and eating disorders”, which are “really what are filling our hospitalization floors.” Furthermore, he has demanded that Spain increase its health spending on mental health “from the current 5% to 10% of the European average2 and that it “raise the ratios of psychiatrists” to respond to the growing demand.
On the other hand, the last of those appearing at the Health Commission was the coordinator of the Regional Office for the Coordination of Mental Health and Addictions of the Community of Madrid, Mercedes Navío Acostawho has insisted on mental health as “a area to prioritize within health systems” – in line with the WHO – and for which “strategies based on scientific evidence” must be applied. Likewise, he has raised the Covid-19 pandemic as a “catalyst” in the increase in pathologies.
The Madrid coordinator has insisted on the need for “multisectoral approaches and investments”, as well as human resources as “the key piece that makes the difference”
In its intervention, Navío wanted to prioritize assistance to people with serious mental disorders, given that, “in most cases, the people who need care the most are those who request it the least.” Reason why he has called on the administrations to “be proactive and address this most needy group.” Likewise, the Madrid coordinator has insisted on the need for “multisectoral approaches and investments,” as well as human resources as “the key piece that makes the difference.”
ConSalud’s content is prepared by journalists specialized in health and endorsed by a committee of top-level experts. However, we recommend that the reader consult any health-related questions with a healthcare professional.