site.btaImportance of Mental Health, Wellbeing Discussed at BTA Press Conference on Occasion of World Mental Health Day

The importance of mental health and wellbeing was discussed at a press conference at the BTA National Press Club in Sofia on occasion of World Mental Health Day. The event was organized by the Bulgarian Psychological Society.

"There is no health without mental health," said Board Chair Stoyu Nedin, adding that according to the World Health Organization, health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing, not just the absence of disease. "Similarly, he said, mental health means mental wellbeing". He pointed out that experiences also count as a factor in mental health and well-being.

Nedin said that on average 55% are at risk of depression in EU countries, stressing that mental illness accounts for 20% of the diseases globally, while the mental health problem continues to be underestimated not only in Bulgaria but elsewhere as well. "Less than 3% of the global health budget is devoted to addressing mental health needs", he said.

In 2019, an estimated 15% of working-age adults had a mental disorder, while approximately 14% of adults aged 60 and over had a mental disorder. Nedin elaborated that more than 720,000 people die because of suicide. He pointed out that mild disorders are behind suicides. Substance abuse disorders are twice as common in men compared to women, Nedin added.

He also noted the prevalence of mental illness in different age groups in the USA: 33.7% (18 to 25 years); 28.1% (26 to 49 years); 15% (50 years and over). Nedin pointed out that the use of antidepressants among women is more common than among men.

"When a person has mental health problems, it affects physical health as well. We try to make it known that prevention is important", said Prof. Sonia Karabelyova, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy in Sofia University. She stressed that the interest of prospective students towards studying Psychology is increasing, a phenomenon observed all over the world. 

Prof. Kamelia Hancheva, PhD, Head of the Developmental Psychology and Education Section at the Bulgarian Psychological Society and Head of the Centre for Mental Counseling and Research at the Sofia University , pointed out that human relationships, the attitude towards oneself and others are of paramount importance for mental health.