Festival Highlights Trust and Responsibility in Mental Health Crisis

The third Festival of Mental Health, which opened on October 20, 2023, in Montenegro, addressed critical issues surrounding trust and personal responsibility in the face of a growing mental health crisis. As societal apathy increases, trust has become a rare commodity, and mental health often only receives attention amid crises. This panel discussion provided a platform for genuine engagement, questioning whether societal values are lived out or merely referenced when convenient.

During the festival, participants confronted pressing concerns such as rising anxiety, distrust in institutions, and a diminishing sense of community. Citizens expressed fatigue over injustice, highlighting that solidarity should not be perceived as weakness but rather as a source of strength. The discussions did not aim to provide quick solutions but rather to encourage deeper introspection, asking, “Are our societies genuinely living these values or resorting to them only during times of pressure?”

Addressing Trust and Responsibility

Among the key messages emerged was the urgent need to embody the values advocated for rather than waiting for change to happen. Prominent figures, including Dr. Tea Dakic, a psychiatrist and bioethicist, emphasized the importance of trust in effective mental health strategies. “Without trust, there is isolation, fear, and silent suffering,” she stated. “In societies where trust is absent, individuals hesitate to seek help, leading to chronic stress and a decline in both physical and mental health.”

Dr. Dakic noted that research indicates countries with high trust levels experience lower suicide rates and greater community solidarity. Conversely, in environments plagued by distrust, citizens often refrain from seeking necessary interventions. She pointed to the situation in Montenegro, where the perception of high corruption and selective justice undermines faith in medical professionals and law enforcement.

“Institutions that survey public opinion reveal a widespread lack of trust in doctors, police, and the judiciary,” Dr. Dakic said. “We have mental health strategies that remain unimplemented and an alarming suicide rate nearly double the European average.” She urged for active citizen engagement, noting that civic activism is dwindling as people lose faith in the possibility of change.

Community Strength and Individual Action

Dr. Mina Gazivoda, a medical psychologist, stressed that social responsibility transcends professional titles and roles. She remarked, “The absence of accountability from one community member ultimately harms that individual, not immediately but over time. Communities that nurture trust and responsibility are more resilient and possess functional institutions.”

Dr. Aleksandar Popovic, a psychiatrist and director of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, outlined the three pillars of personal responsibility essential for mental well-being. The first pillar involves accountability to oneself, often hindered by the stigma surrounding mental health. “This internalized stigma is a major barrier to seeking help,” he explained.

The second pillar is the responsibility to seek help actively. Dr. Popovic pointed out that patients need to engage in their treatment actively. “If they do not embrace their personal responsibility, my assistance can only go so far.” The third pillar is maintaining mental hygiene, a lifelong commitment to mental health.

The festival’s opening was marked by speeches from Aleksandar Radovic, director of the Clinical Centre, and Dr. Vilnerina Ramcilovic, director of the Centre for Health Promotion at the Public Health Institute of Montenegro. The moderator for the panel discussion was Dr. Tijana Brandmajer, a psychiatrist.

The Festival of Mental Health will run until October 20, 2023, featuring events across six cities in Montenegro, with the capital hosting the majority of activities. As the festival unfolds, it aims to inspire a collective movement towards trust, accountability, and a more profound commitment to mental health in society.