Familiarized with the specifics of communicating with people with mental health disorders

How to understand and how to help? Meetings between the Psychological and Pedagogical Service (PPS) and staff with specialists from the Mental Health Center of the North Kazakhstan Region and the Regional Psychological-Medical-Pedagogical Consultation were held at the university. The agenda included the development of mechanisms for protecting the rights and considering the interests not only of students with mental and behavioral characteristics, but also their peers, curators, teachers, and staff. Additionally, the specifics of interacting with people with developmental differences were discussed.

The acting psychologists informed those gathered about building communication with individuals with mental health disorders. They also discussed the work of institutions that can assist such individuals in crisis situations and combat the stigma associated with the issue. The Human Rights Ombudsman of the North Kazakhstan Region, Zhanat Zhumabayev, offered assistance in addressing emerging issues in this area.

The Psychological Service of our university is actively working with students seeking assistance in resolving emotional problems, mental and neurotic imbalances. A current issue is that not all students with behavioral characteristics seek specialized help in a timely manner. However, it is relatively easy to find such help not only at the regional Mental Health Center but also at all polyclinics where primary Mental Health Centers have been established.

Participants of the meeting were provided with brochures containing information on symptoms of mental disorders, ways to behave when faced with aggression from such individuals, measures for preventing exacerbations, and more.