German Polish Exchange 2024

There are various sources of mental illnesses. Some are more biologically based, over which we have limited influence, compared to illnesses that arise from environmental factors such as crises or natural catastrophes.

Process of Prevention The first and most important aspect of prevention is self-awareness. Understanding how you typically react to situations allows you to notice changes in your behavior that might indicate a problem, prompting you to seek help from a specialist. This awareness is also linked to overall health. An expert stated, "You need to regularly eat healthily, sleep well, engage in physical activities, and so on. It's not really different from maintaining physical health." Learning self-regulation techniques, such as meditation or studying psychology, is crucial. Additionally, social belonging is important—having friends or people with whom you can discuss your feelings or difficulties plays a significant role in mental health.

Success of Prevention While some mental illnesses can be cured or effectively managed, others are chronic. The expert explained, "Even if we cannot prevent them, we can regulate the degree to which they manifest."

This text is based on an interview with Expert P.