Psychiatrist and head of the Mental Health Center at the regional hospital in Bolesławiec made no secret of his satisfaction and emotions during the first finale of the World Suicide Prevention Day observances organized on such a large scale in Bolesławiec.
– I am moved by today’s finale – says Krystian Antoniewicz. – We are talking openly about treating mental health problems, meeting residents in the city square and inviting them to take part in activities together. Psychiatrists, psychologists and psychotherapists. Our kitchen staff, technical employees and the entire hospital personnel came to meet residents so that they could meet and engage in dialogue. There was a tent where consultations were held and residents made use of them. We had a performance by students from secondary schools, “A Corridor for Life”; we also had circle dancing led by the Circle Dance Group under the direction of Ms. Dorota. Circle dancing is led by our recovery assistants, people who have experienced mental health crises. At the Mental Health Center in the hospital, they work in the day ward and help current patients recover – adds the head of the Mental Health Center.
The psychiatrist agreed that Bolesławiec has a strong network of specialists and support options in cases of mental health crises.
– Bolesławiec is unique in that, as one of several dozen hospitals or centers, we participate in the Mental Health Center pilot program. The reform aims to move from closed, isolating treatment to treatment in the patient’s community. This is why we decided to organize these observances and hold them in Bolesławiec. Meeting people in the patient’s community, among residents, is important. Prevention is important—to do everything possible to prevent an acute crisis. As one of very few centers in Poland, we are available at any time, 24 hours a day, and people who need mental health support can report to the Registration and Coordination Point without an appointment or referral, on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Outside those hours, there is a 24-hour admissions room, so we do not leave our residents without care – adds the psychiatrist.
Krystian Antoniewicz also described the difficulties involved in addressing the subject of suicide.
– Suicide is a difficult subject because it is often connected with guilt—with difficult emotions and the thought that we could still have done something. That is why it is difficult to address these emotions and subjects. I believe that suicide can be discussed in various ways. Talking about life, relationships, love and educating society is also talking about suicide. Suicide can be discussed, but first we need to build bonds with people. First bonds, then conversation – adds Krystian Antoniewicz.
Jarosław Karbowski, director of the Hospital for the Nervously and Mentally Ill in Bolesławiec, said that despite the extensive opportunities for rapid assistance to people experiencing mental health crises, residents of the region still do not know how easy it is to access specialists in Bolesławiec.
– The idea for the World Suicide Prevention Day observances arose because county residents still do not know that they can easily obtain help when facing mental health problems – said Jarosław Karbowski. – No referral or appointment is needed; it is enough to come and try to obtain help. If someone is ashamed or does not want to come, they can call and our specialists will come to them. Despite the extensive media campaign announcing that the Mental Health Center exists, a large part of the population does not know about it. So we decided to reach out to residents and show ourselves to them. We have psychologists, psychiatrists and specialists who try to provide help as quickly as possible—whether only advice, a specialist appointment or hospitalization is needed – added the director.
County head Tomasz Gabrysiak took part in the finale of the observances, emphasizing the idea of the hospital reaching out to the city center and praising the format of the World Suicide Prevention Day observances.
– We have two hospitals in Bolesławiec – said Tomasz Gabrysiak. – One deals with the body, the other with the spirit. There is a simple rule: prevention is better than treatment alone. That is why I am very pleased that the director of the regional hospital took the initiative to reach out. The point is for people to stop being afraid and to take care of their mental health. A psychiatrist is associated with something dark, but it turns out that this is not true. A psychiatrist is a specialist who can help people, invite them to the hospital and show them that psychiatric assessment is not something bad, but actually advisable. Perhaps we will save someone’s life if they decide to visit our regional hospital and seek help from professionals. And the way of presenting this idea—music, being together and spending time together—is an excellent idea – added the county head.
Contact
- Registration and Coordination Point 571 306 363
- Immediate Assistance 571 306 316
- Community-Based (Home) Treatment Team 571 306 367
- Adult Mental Health Clinics 571 306 367
- Adult Mental Health Clinics
- Lwówek Śląski 757820175
- Psychiatric Day Ward 571 306 329
- www: szpitalpsychiatryczny.pl