Mental Health Training Offered in Isfahan Mosques and Cultural Centers

Isfahan – The head of mental health at the Isfahan Provincial Health Center said that mental health training before and after crises, as well as psychological support for various groups, is being provided in schools, cultural centers, mosques, and Hosseiniyas.

Mansour Shiri said in a conversation with Mehr reporter: stress management is one of the most important skills needed in crisis situations and people should not completely stop their daily lives when a crisis occurs; Maintaining regular activities, exercise, communication with family and having a daily schedule can help maintain mental health.

He announced the implementation of educational and support programs in public places and declared: keeping the mind and body busy, paying attention to the present and focusing on the activity we are doing, are among the simple ways to manage stress.

The director of mental health of Isfahan province health center emphasized the need to avoid continuous exposure to news and stated: Continuously following the news, even when nothing new has happened, can increase people's anxiety.

He also pointed to the role of parents in managing children's exposure to news and added: Children in crisis situations and after unfortunate events need entertainment, activity and a sense of security more than ever, and they should not be continuously exposed to disturbing news and images.

Emphasizing the importance of receiving expert help, Shiri said: "Getting help in times of crisis requires courage, and people who feel they need support should seek help from experts and those who are able to help."

He continued: The social stigma of mental disorders should not prevent people from consulting a counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist, and increasing public awareness can be effective in reducing this barrier.

Director of Mental Health of Isfahan Province Health Center, referring to mental pressures caused by crisis conditions and reducing social resilience, said: listening to people's narratives, paying attention to mental health, managing stress and maintaining social connections are among the most important ways to help the society overcome the crisis.

He stated: Economic conditions, worry about the future and pressures caused by the crisis can reduce the resilience of people and provide the basis for increasing irritability and anger in the society.

Shiri added: The health system cannot change all economic and social factors affecting people's lives, but in the field of mental health, it can help people to increase their resilience by teaching practical skills and overcome difficult situations by better managing emotions and stress.

Shiri added: Being heard is very important for a person, and when a person feels that no one is willing to listen to his words, his communication with others may be disturbed. On the other hand, listening and paying attention to people's narratives can help reduce anxiety and increase the feeling of social support.

The Director of Mental Health of Isfahan Provincial Health Center emphasized the need to pay special attention to vulnerable groups and said: physical and mental patients, pregnant mothers, children and the elderly are more exposed to the psychological consequences of the crisis and their access to mental health services should be strengthened.