2016_02_15
"One in four people will experience some subject mental disorder in their lifetime."
Lorena de Simón, specialist in Psychiatry, reminded the University of the need to fight against the stigmas of mental illness.
subject "One out of every four people will suffer from some mental disorder during their lifetime". This was stated at the University of Navarra by Lorena de Simón, specialist in psychiatry and doctor at the Mental Health Center of Burlada. The expert has intervened in the III Cycle"Training to understand the disability", organized by Tantaka and whose central topic is "The stigmas of mental illness".
De Simón participated in a breakfast with the media this morning during which he wanted to emphasize the presence of mental disorders in society: "Assuming that 25% of the population may have some subject mental disorder at some point in their lives, we should not be afraid to be in contact with people who may have suffered from it. One can be cured and does not have to deteriorate for life".
In this sense, he affirmed that there are thousands of people in the world with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia and that they are leading absolutely normal lives, living with their families, working and leading fully satisfactory lives. "Just like a heart patient or a person with diabetes does," he stressed.
The specialist explained that the problem lies in the fact that "a severe mental disorder is associated with concepts that are identified with psychosis or the stereotype that it is a dangerous person". For which she explained that "it is necessary to turn these stereotypes around and somehow facilitate normalization and social integration".
He also recalled the progress that has been made in raising awareness in society and institutions. And he recalled that in order to continue advancing in this field, four paths must converge: that it is better accepted socially, that institutionally and at the legislative level this awareness is favored, that mental health is not the poor sister of medicine and that those affected are empowered and have a voice.
Subsequently, the specialist gave the first session of the cycle "Training to understand disability" to 380 people including students, employees and members of different associations of people with disabilities and public schools in Navarra. Miguel Laparra, Vice President of Social Rights of the Government of Navarra, inaugurated the course that will continue on Mondays from February 22 to March 7. Those interested can register on the website.