During the implementation of the mental health care project at Trong Duc Social Protection Center, Caritas Dalat clearly recognized the urgency of timely recognition and intervention when there are signs of psychological instability, especially in the post-Covid-19 era. Therefore, at 8:00 AM on June 22, 2024, at Tung Nghia Parish, Duc Trong Deanery, Caritas Dalat organized a MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS program with the participation of nearly 100 participants from the Diocesan Caritas network of parishes in Duc Trong Deanery and the Duc Trong Association of Persons with Disabilities.
Throughout the program, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Diep - Specialist Level I in Psychiatry, Lam Dong CDC, and Sister Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu, FMM - PhD in Clinical Psychology, shared and provided extremely useful advice on issues surrounding mental health, mental health care, and how to accompany individuals with mental health issues and their families.
Opening the program, Dr. Diep presented the topic through a psychological story filled with humorous and witty elements, yet reflecting the pathologies related to "mental distress" that anyone in today's society could experience. The topic focused on helping participants understand what "mental distress" is and its preventive measures. The doctor emphasized that a person experiencing "mental distress" may show symptoms such as: fatigue and insomnia when facing difficulties, and anxiety in life that causes prolonged negative thoughts. If not detected and treated in time, this will lead to serious issues such as self-isolation, eating disorders, self-harming behaviors, or suicidal ideation.
To overcome "mental distress", we need to: balance our daily activities, avoid prolonged stress, cultivate knowledge on preventing mental distress, use screening tests for early detection, and seek professional facilities for timely consultation and treatment.
In parallel, Sister Nguyen Thi Thanh Tu shared more about how to accompany people with mental health issues within the family and community, aiming to ensure that patients are cared for and respected.
The "person-centered" approach was emphasized and explained simply by Sister Tu, helping participants understand some basic concepts. Although these are professional techniques that require more time to learn and practice, due to time constraints, the content was simplified for easy comprehension. Sister Tu began her presentation by showing a short security camera video clip depicting a mother suffering from postpartum depression, whose 4-year-old son showed care and comfort through very simple actions: hugging his mother, caressing her, and getting a tissue to wipe her tears... This scenario deeply touched the participants regarding the role of accompanying someone with mental health issues. Empathy is a key factor in showing respect, trust, and genuine care for the individual when accompanying and supporting them, helping them heal. This is a process that requires trust, sincerity, and a focus on being "person-centered". The key points to remember in this process are encapsulated in "2 Nos and 1 Yes": NO judgment; NO offering immediate solutions; YES to active and empathetic listening.
Throughout the program, participants listened to the presentations and asked the experts questions regarding their concerns and inquiries about mental health.
At the conclusion of the training session, Ms. Maria Goretti Dinh Thi Hong Phuc - Vice Director of Caritas Dalat, on behalf of the Diocesan Caritas, expressed gratitude to the Dean of Duc Trong, the Priest in Charge of the Deanery Caritas, the religious brothers, sisters, Dr. Nguyen Ngoc Diep, and all the participants who enthusiastically accompanied the program.
Trung Nguyen
