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In recent weeks, TV 2 has written several cases about the psychological consequences of the corona measures.
Speech Maria Krohn Engvik, better known as “Helsesist”, has said that she fears that the loneliness and isolation that many experience during the pandemic will have a strong effect on suicide statistics.
– I get messages from people who say they will last until Christmas, but they can’t take it anymore. January ranks high in the suicide statistics from before, so I’m worried, she says.
READ THE HEALTH CARE CHRONICLE: “When I ask people how they feel, it’s like a tsunami of dark thoughts and stories.”
Shut up the government – it went viral
A few weeks ago, Engvik also came with a clear message to the government in a video that spread at high speed on social media. On Facebook, it has been viewed more than 140,000 times.
– Strange that you take the mental health of the Norwegian population seriously and focus more on that. For each measure you present of austerity, you must also present measures on how we should take care of mental health, it says in the video.
– Never comforted so many children
On Thursday this week, Prime Minister Erna Solberg took the floor “Helsesista”, and invited a digital meeting on youth and mental health.
Also present at the meeting were the Minister of Health Bent Høie, the Minister for Children and Family Affairs Kjell Ingolf Ropstad and several other actors working in the field.
– We should not get completely normal reactions, at a very abnormal moment, said the Prime Minister in his introduction.
“Helsesista” was one of those who spoke. There he struck Solberg, Ropstad and Høie.
– I have never comforted so many children as this last year. We hear about good schoolchildren who have such a strong anxiety about taking the infection home that they have not been able to return to school after being locked up. I’ve been yelling and banging on the table for a long time. Now is the time to act, he said.
Do you need someone to talk to?
- Mental Health Helpline: 116123 (open 24 hours)
- Kirkens SOS: 22 40 00 40 (open 24 hours)
- Leve National Association for Survivors of Suicide: Accepts inquiries by email: [email protected] or telephone 22 36 17 00 (weekdays 9-15)
Source: Helsenorge.no
– As important
After the meeting, Engvik tells TV 2 that he has long wanted the government to be part of the team.
– Taking care of mental health is as important as taking care of infection control measures. We can risk losing many people of all ages due to things completely different from the crown, he says, adding:
– We have already lost everything, from teenagers to elderly people who have no longer achieved it.
The digital health nurse receives a lot of messages from children and young people who are having a hard time, every day. Now Engvik admits that he is starting to tire.
– Now I need to bake gingerbread soon and not stand yelling. I need Bent Høie to take responsibility, he says.
– It hurt
Prime Minister Erna Solberg told TV 2 that it was impressive to hear several of the strong stories that emerged at Thursday’s meeting.
– What hurts is when young people say that they are not going to ask for help, because the municipality has closed the door. It hurts to know that they reject people you have needed to talk to. It’s important to keep deals open, says Solberg.
The emergency phone exploded: – Something is wrong
The Prime Minister believes that they have focused enough on mental health during the pandemic.
– The message to companies when the pandemic broke out was not to reduce mental health and intoxication. Nor has there been a decrease in focus on mental health, says Solberg, adding:
– You can well imagine that we could have done more, but it is not about money, more about resources.
Looking for deals
Much has been said about vulnerable groups in society during the course of the pandemic. “Helsesista” believes, however, that we are all vulnerable and has asked for low-threshold offers that apply to all.
The Prime Minister acknowledges that they have the potential for improvement in terms of communication.
– Some of the measures we have are low threshold, but it is not certain that those who have not been in contact with them before will find it so easily. I understand that many of those who have not needed help before don’t know enough about where they can get help, says Solberg.
“Helsesista” expects the government to act after Thursday’s meeting.
– I no longer accept listening to beautiful words, now I want to see action. I will be one of those who will stay there and hold them accountable if they do not propose measures, and I hope to see that they will do things differently, she tells TV 2.
