Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "Today, one out of every two people in Türkiye uses antidepressants!"
Individual effort is important for spiritual well-being!
Noting that the importance of mental health is increasingly recognized in the society, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that "Mental health services in Türkiye operate in the form of treatment delivery services for more diseases. However, around the world, providing health services to protect the community has become more important than treating the disease."
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that "Today, one out of every two people in Türkiye uses antidepressants, and this rate has increased by more than 50 percent in the last 10 years. This data shows that there is a big problem that needs to be solved."
President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan discussed how to protect our mental health.
We need to increase mental health literacy!
Stating that "It is important to recognize mental health and mental illnesses, to gain knowledge and skills in this regard, to understand what risks contribute to mental disorders and psychiatric diseases, and to question how the person can help themselves or whether they have the right information and beliefs in seeking professional help,” Tarhan said that knowing mental health starts with knowing the characteristics of a healthy individual.
An inability to cope with or avoid stress may indicate that mental health is deteriorating
Stating that not being productive and productive can be counted among the symptoms of mental health problems today, Prof. Tarhan expressed that "Not being able to cope with stress or avoiding it may indicate that mental health is deteriorating. Today, although material well-being has increased, psychological problems are not decreasing at the same pace. With the increasing level of stress and challenges of life globally, mental health issues are becoming even more pronounced."
The modern system does not make people happy and peaceful in the psychological and spiritual sense
Noting that according to the research conducted in the USA, although the gross national product has increased by approximately 300 percent in the last 50 years, the happiness rate has decreased, Prof. Tarhan continued his remarks as follows:
"This shows that while the modern system enriches people physically and materially, it does not make them psychologically and spiritually happy and peaceful. A lot of research and studies are being done on this subject. Various branches of science have emerged to contribute to the solution of this problem. For example, positive psychology is one of them. Harvard University added the positive psychology course to its curriculum in 2015. This course not only addresses students' shortcomings, but also helps them make the mental and social investments needed to become more productive, efficient, at peace with themselves, and in inner balance. Yale University offered a similar course in 2018 and opened it to the public in 2021. The New York Times reported on this as 3.5 million people attended this class during the pandemic. A similar course was offered by the University of Bristol in 2019."
Üsküdar University has become a pioneer in Türkiye!
Prof. Tarhan stated that "Üsküdar University, on the other hand, became a pioneer in Türkiye by offering this course to all students in 2013. This course aims to strengthen mental health, i.e. primary prevention. In this way, people who do not have psychiatric disorders gain the skills to increase the quality of life, ensure happiness, establish healthy communication, solve problems and cope with stress. In the feedback received from the students, the positive effects of this course are emphasized with statements such as 'My relationship with my father has improved' or 'I was using substances, I quit'. Such lessons are part of the world's efforts to find solutions to mental health problems."
One out of every two people is on antidepressants!
Noting that the importance of mental health is increasingly recognized in the society, Prof. Tarhan continued as follows:
"However, mental health services in Türkiye operate in the form of treatment delivery services for more diseases. However, around the world, providing health services to protect the community has become more important than treating the disease. Pursuing policies focused on protecting health plays a critical role in preventing diseases. Our mental health policies were published in Türkiye in 2011 and we have a very comprehensive document. However, we have not been able to adequately implement these policies, especially in the area of addiction. Today, one out of every two people in Türkiye uses antidepressants, and this rate has increased by more than 50 percent in the last 10 years. This data shows that there is a big problem that needs to be solved. However, if we do not identify the root causes correctly, it becomes difficult for us to find solutions. Therefore, it is necessary to adopt a solution-oriented approach."
Most addicted people are also considered criminals!
Stating that he especially wanted to emphasize the issue of addiction, Prof. Tarhan said, "Addiction is increasing on a global scale, but this increase has reached much more striking levels in Türkiye. Most addicted people are also considered criminal types. However, it is also important to offer these people the opportunity to rehabilitate rather than just punishing them. First of all, it must be decided whether these people are sick or guilty. If they have an addictive disease, treating them in rehabilitation centers should be aimed at reducing the potential for crime and increasing the feeling of remorse. With this approach, it may be possible for them to adapt better to society."
"We do not have a mental health law yet"
Stating that developed countries produce solutions in this regard, Prof. Tarhan made the following remarks:
"However, we do not have a mental health law yet. Although it comes to the fore from time to time, it is given up for reasons that are not understood. I can say that the fact that mental health associations do not play a constructive role is also effective here. Unfortunately, mental health associations often approach the issue from an ideological point of view and do not adopt a solution-oriented approach. There are two types of criticism: One is criticism based on an ideological and doctrinaire basis and made with feelings of hatred, which does not produce solutions. The other type of criticism is constructive. It contains help and compassion, aims to show the better and offer solutions. Decision-makers need to take this second type of criticism into account, in particular. Criticism that proposes solutions is constructive and valuable; But critics do not need to be considered just for the sake of criticizing. New alternatives need to be produced in addiction-related policies. It seems that the current policies do not yield sufficient results in Türkiye and these policies must be put on the table."
When we criticize children's behavior, we actually need to look in the mirror
Pointing out that there is a need for projects that touch our souls both individually, socially and in terms of public administration, Prof. Tarhan stated that "If such projects are projects that touch the family and the individual and strengthen their mental health, social well-being can be achieved. As a society, we look up to our leaders. We embrace both the good and the bad sides of them. In Anatolia, they say 'Fish smells from the head'. This saying was not said in vain because if the family, especially the mother and father, cannot be good role models, children inevitably choose bad examples as role models. When we criticize children's behavior, we actually need to look in the mirror. As parents, we must first evaluate ourselves, accept our mistakes and focus on solutions."
It is important to make individual efforts to improve mental well-being
Noting that it is important to make individual efforts to improve mental well-being, Prof. Tarhan stated that "In order to be better and happier, it is necessary to read books, research, and engage in activities to improve ourselves. But the hedonistic pursuit of fun and pleasure alone leads to a waste of time and energy. In daily life, we need entertainment at a rate of 10-20 percent psychologically. However, if we spend the whole day focused on entertainment, this is not a sustainable approach. Smart people invest in the future and take steps to improve themselves."
A person who is content with what they have is very rich
Drawing attention to the sense of gratitude that developed with modernism, Prof. Tarhan said that "Modernism has raised the expectations of not only us but also the whole world. As expectations rose, people began to underestimate what they had. The sense of contentment decreased. The real wealth is not having a lot, but being able to be content with what is available. A person who is content with what is available is very rich. One does their best, is happy with what they have but does not stop working for more. Once can be peaceful and become wealthy by working. This is also the formula for us to be successful in business life by protecting our mental health. It is not necessary to withdraw from life to protect our mental health. As Rumi said, ‘it is possible to be with the Divine while among the people’. In other words, while living a life intertwined with people, it is also possible to maintain inner peace and stay at peace with ourselves."
Someone with firm beliefs can say no to evil
Explaining that the concept of "right" has two meanings, these are righteousness and justice, and the other is the bond with the creator, Prof. Tarhan made the following remarks:
"A person who does not lose these two feelings has a sense of accountability within themselves. When one wants to do evil, a person who is at peace with themselves questions their conscience. If one lies or engages in corruption despite their beliefs, then they must question their conscience: are they listening to their ego or following their responsibility to the creator? Someone with firm beliefs can say no to evil. Today, psychiatry in the world is working to recognize evil. Forensic psychiatry units developed a scale known as the "Depravity Scale" in the 2000s. With this scale, it is investigated how people's levels of selfishness and lack of empathy lead to abusive behavior. According to the results, the susceptibility to crime increases during periods of increased selfishness. When combined with feelings such as lack of empathy, lack of pity for others, lack of compassion and ruthlessness, the person tends to crime. Behind it lies feelings such as arrogance and seeing oneself at the center of everything. Taming these emotions is the most important step in maintaining mental health-."
My goal is not just to treat diseases!
Reminding that he has been writing books on topics such as the science of happiness, the psychology of emotions and the psychology of values since the 2000s, Prof. Tarhan stated that "My goal is not only to treat diseases, but also to make people healthier and more conscious. A late professor of mine told me that what I wrote would reduce patients. And I see that as primary protection. Thus, I am working to make people aware before they get sick. It is not just important for me in this regard. It is important for every mother, every father, every manager and every decision-maker to question their own self first and to set a good example for their environment. Everyone needs to fulfill their responsibilities in terms of protecting mental health."
Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)