Now ask for urgent help for others – VG

The 41-year-old is very concerned for all those who are mentally struggling as they now enter a new dark age in more ways than one.

In a VG article, the KEiiNO star says she speaks from personal experience when she knows how difficult it can be to meet the public sector when the need for help is greatest.

«It is not my sick cultural brother I am laughing at. Among us, musicians and artists, there are many voices who like to be heard. On the other hand, I think very little is said about those who consider whether life during the pandemic is too difficult to live. It may be about life. Young life», Write and continue:

“Since March, three acquaintances of mine have made a final decision with death as a result. Two of them lived in a big city where both the workplace and the social circle were closed by restrictions.”

Read the full post here.

– Who do you want to reach with this article?

– The college of politicians that sits down and makes quick decisions. Limiting social contact in non-contagious municipalities, perhaps shooting sparrows with a cannon, Hermansen tells VG.

– So you think the restrictions are too strict?

– I have no preconditions to say what is correct or not. To stay sane, you have to be confident. So I have faith that this is well founded. But the measures must be backed by numbers that show why it matters, says Hugo, who believes politicians don’t capture all weak groups.

Read the responses of the health authorities below in the case.

Hugo emphasizes that it is not the actual closure of society that he criticizes, but rather the system that is to trap those who are affected by it. All who are involuntarily lonely, all who have gloomy thoughts and anxiety as a result of the crown crisis.

– Although we understand that the spread of the infection must be limited, I believe that very little is said about those who cannot bear to wait for “Christmas with the extended family”, which the Prime Minister wants us to take into account when we enter a new period of prescription. of social contact.

He got depressed

In March, the man from Kristiansand lost for the first time in his life the belief that “everything will work out.” He became depressed and consulted a GP.

There they told him that the waiting time in the public psychiatric service was so long that a referral to the district psychiatric center (DPS) would not help much.

– Coincidentally, the doctor asked me if I had private health insurance. And quite spontaneously he had drawn one like that the year before. It turned out that psychological help was included. In that sense, it was fortunate that he received help quickly, says Hermansen, who feels much better today.

Different workload

But he knows many who are not so good.

– The burden of the national charity event is still not equally borne in the second round. What for some is a small sacrifice is the very basis of life for others. Quick psychological help doesn’t just have to be reserved for the lucky ones with money or private health insurance.

In January of this year, VG wrote that the wait time for mental health care averages 47 days for adults and 50 days for children and youth.

– We should increase focus on mental health. It’s urgent, says Hugo.

– Not only for those who are on the brink, but also for those who struggle, but fear taking the place of others in the long queue. It is not a lack of psychologists, but a lack of legal authority in the public sector.

– Useful for asking for help

Maria Jahrmann Bjerke (H), Secretary of State in the Ministry of Health and Care Services, tells VG that the closure in March led many people to have their services reduced for a period.

– Therefore, the Norwegian Health Directorate has been tasked with ensuring that consideration of various vulnerable groups is safeguarded in the event of a new closure, he says.

Bjerke says they also expected an increase in wait times for mental health care during the crown crisis.

– Fortunately, we see that priority groups, such as people with mental disorders and substance abuse problems, do not experience an increase in waiting time as a result of the pandemic, he says.

She thinks it’s really sad to hear Hermansen’s story.

– But we must be careful not to give the impression that it is useless to ask for help. Is not true.

She says many are having a hard time due to the crown, with social isolation, layoffs and job loss, and that they are working to ensure health services for all.

In the last seven years, they have started many more psychologists in the municipality.

– But there is still a shortage, and we are working on that.

Bjerke adds that sometimes people have to wait for help, so that those with the greatest need get it first.

– out of my control

For the past 15 years, Hugo has created his own workplace as a composer and artist. Last year, it finally reached a level that was sustainable. Life was good.

– But holding concerts for many people is not compatible with a pandemic. Everything was suddenly out of my control and I lost faith that I could do it. The appetite disappeared, I struggled to sleep and had mood swings, explains Hugo.

The financier was not the worst. The success of the pop song “Spirit In The Sky” last year ensured a good year in 2019. But the future suddenly felt so uncertain.

Compensation schemes only last a certain amount of time, and many people have to find other things to do. If you’ve played guitar for 20 years, and that’s what you do best, the burden of having to find another job is great, Hugo believes.

also read

Avoid the “fix trap” when someone tells you they are struggling

The artist believes that many in society may feel ignored, that their problems are less valuable.

– But the Minister of Culture must feel honored that there is a strong will to support culture. I know we are very lucky to live in Norway.

also read

How to deal with the fear of falling crown

When the 41-year-old along with KEiiNO releases the song “A Winter’s Night” next Friday, about longing and loneliness, it will be thinking of all those who are suffering. Therefore, the group donates half of the song’s electricity revenue to the mental health helpline.

Hugo thinks especially of all those who have no one around them.

– I have read about people who are dying and are not visited by the family. Being alone is one of the worst things. And especially at Christmas. When I made a blast, luckily I had Alex (husbands, red.anm.). It cannot be said many times that everyone has to think about those who feel alone.

Looking back: Tom Hugo was advised to hide his position