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Description
Health care and social care systems are primarily responsible of the reduction of suicide rates in the society. It is very important, that as many specialists as possible (psychologist,
doctors, nurses, public health care specialists) would know how to recognize the emotional and behavior disorders, suicide risks and would know how to act in such situations. People with mild mental disorders should receive effective help in a timely manner. Research have showed that if the psychological help is provided at the earlier stage of the depression, before the appears of suicidal thoughts, it could be an often is more effective and the impact of it lasts longer.The aim of this project is to establish the model of the welfare consultant services in Kaunas district municipality in order to improve the access to mental health care services of the community and reduce the number of mental and behavioral disorders.The goal if this project is to ensure the provision of services of 3 welfare consultants in Kaunas district municipality.The following activities are planned to be implemented during the project:1) Organization of project public procurement;2) Project administration;3) Adaptation of premises for welfare consultants - repair works;4) Acquisition of furniture and equipment;5) Training and preparation of welfare consultants;6) Activities of welfare consultants (intersectoral cooperation and dissemination of information about the services provided) and consultations for the target project group;7) Publicity activitiesThe final result of the project is to deliver welfare consultants consultations to 800 people, and within 1 year after the project - for 350 people.
During and after the project modern welfare counselor system will be implemented in the district, which will provide support for society.
Summary of project results
Mental health and well-being are essential to the quality of life and productivity of individuals, families, communities and society, because citizens with good mental health can build healthy societies. Mental health problems and effective solutions to them are receiving much attention worldwide and in Europe.
Mental health is also a topical issue in Lithuania. Depression is one of the most common and debilitating mental illnesses. Depression is particularly linked to suicide. In terms of suicide statistics, Lithuania remains in first place in Europe and in the top ten worldwide.
Health and social protection systems play a key role in reducing suicide rates. It is essential that as many professionals as possible - not only psychologists and psychiatrists, but also doctors, nurses, public health or lifestyle medicine specialists, social workers and others - are able to recognize emotional disturbances and the risk of suicide and know what to do about it. It is crucial that people affected by mental disorders receive timely, evidence-based and effective help.
A support system should be put in place much earlier, not only when suicidal thoughts arise, but also when the first symptoms of possible depression are noticed. It is important to create a network of services in the country that are available to citizens as soon as the first symptoms of possible depression appear.
Kaunas District Municipality Public Health Bureau, together with Kaunas District Municipality Administration, implemented the project "Improving the accessibility of welfare counsellors'' services in Kaunas District Municipality", No LT03-1-SAM-K03-003. The aim of the project was to implement a model of welfare counsellor services in Kaunas District Municipality, improving the accessibility of community-based mental health services and reducing the prevalence of mental and behavioral disorders in Kaunas District Municipality.
2 consulting rooms were set up during the project period.
The activities were publicized through various channels: television, radio, social networks, online newspapers, post.
During the implementation of the project, 3 emotional well-being counsellors were working in Kaunas district and provided 1315 emotional well-being counselling sessions to Kaunas district residents. A total of 470 persons were consulted. The methodology used in the consultations combines two effective types of psychotherapy - cognitive and behavioral therapies, which help to know and understand how thoughts, emotions and behavior are connected. These counselling sessions help to reduce the problems or symptoms that interfere with a quality and fulfilling life and to restore psychological balance in a short time. The counselling focuses on self-knowledge, purification of human values, focuses on emotions, certain human reactions to them and where they come from, looking for the origin of mistaken beliefs and changing the way we look at ourselves and the environment around us.