Trust and Responsibility Highlighted at Mental Health Festival

A panel discussion at the third annual Festival Mentalnog Zdravlja in Crna Gora emphasized the urgent need for trust and responsibility in mental health care. As societal apathy rises, trust has become a scarce commodity, while mental health issues are often addressed only in times of crisis. The panel aimed to confront these realities head-on, asking critical questions about societal values and the importance of active engagement within communities.

When citizens lose faith in institutions, the search for help becomes stigmatized, resulting in a society that merely survives rather than thrives. The discussion, titled “Do We Live Our Values or Only Invoke Them When Needed?” highlighted the stark truth that without trust, accountability, and a proactive approach to mental health, no strategy will succeed. Participants underscored the importance of living the values they advocate for, rather than waiting for change to happen.

The dialogue addressed the escalating anxiety levels in society, growing distrust in institutions, and a fading sense of community. Citizens expressed fatigue over perceived injustices, with the panelists reminding attendees that solidarity should be viewed as a strength rather than a weakness. The panel did not offer quick fixes but encouraged deeper reflection on whether society genuinely embraces its core values or only turns to them in moments of crisis.

Key Themes of Trust and Responsibility

This year’s festival focused on three crucial values essential for the health of both individuals and communities: trust, social responsibility, and personal accountability. Experts including Dr. Tea Dakić, a psychiatrist and bioethics specialist, Dr. Mina Gazivoda, a medical psychologist, and Dr. Aleksandar Popović, psychiatrist and director of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, shared insights on these themes.

Dr. Dakić highlighted the direct correlation between trust and mental health outcomes. “Research indicates that countries with high levels of trust report lower suicide rates,” she noted. In communities where trust prevails, individuals are more likely to seek help and support one another. Conversely, a lack of trust breeds isolation and chronic stress, leading to increased mental health challenges and higher suicide rates.

She pointed out the pervasive perception of corruption and selective justice in Montenegro, stating, “Institutions that gauge public opinion reveal a significant distrust in healthcare providers, police, and the judiciary.” This mistrust hinders the implementation of mental health strategies and action plans, leading to one of the highest suicide rates in Europe—almost double the regional average.

Building a Culture of Accountability

Dr. Gazivoda emphasized that social responsibility transcends professional titles and roles. “The absence of accountability from any community member ultimately harms the entire community,” she explained. Communities that prioritize trust and responsibility foster more effective institutions and are more resilient in times of crisis.

Dr. Popović outlined personal responsibility as resting on three pillars: accountability to oneself, the willingness to seek help, and maintaining mental well-being throughout life. He acknowledged the stigma surrounding mental health, stating, “Many individuals struggle internally with the voice that tells them to ‘be strong, endure.'”

The Festival Mentalnog Zdravlja was inaugurated by Dr. Aleksandar Radović, director of the Clinical Centre of Montenegro, and Dr. Vilnerina Ramčilović, director of the Health Promotion Centre at the Public Health Institute of Montenegro. The event runs until October 20, 2023, featuring numerous activities across six cities, with the majority taking place in the capital.

Finally, Dr. Gazivoda asserted the importance of an organized system to achieve psychosocial well-being, stating, “There is no psychosocial prosperity without a structured system, and that system is shaped by us.” As the festival unfolds, it seeks to inspire communities to not only advocate for change but to embody the values they wish to see in their society.