We cannot speak about good mental health services without these services to be integrated into society. The people with mental health problems, even severe ones, should be able to live at home and benefit from these services. The suggestion was made by Ionela Petrea, department director at the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addictions “Trimbos”, IPN reports.

“De-stigmatization is what should be ensured now. The greater is the access of these persons to ordinary health services, as it is for people suffering from cancer, cardiovascular and other diseases, the more will the population get used to persons who suffer from such disorders and this stigmatization will diminish,” Ionela Petrea explained in the first national dialogue on mental health policies staged in Moldova.

In the same connection, Matthias Leicht-Miranda, program manager at the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, said such disorders require a specific approach. “To enjoy a balanced life, without discrimination, the persons with mental health problems need a wide range of coordinated services, with the involvement of medical staff, psychologists and social workers, employment agencies, etc. The intersector cooperation is decisive for the success of the national mental health program,” stated Matthias Leicht-Miranda.

About 450 million people worldwide suffer from mental and behavioral disorders. In Moldova, approximately 60,000 people are under medical supervision with such disorders. Of these, about 28,000 have a disability degree. The disability benefits for mental disorders account for up to 25% of the social services and pension funds. A number of 36 community mental health centers work in Moldova.