My Duc Psychiatric Hospital spreads mental health knowledge to the grassroots

In a short time, the Hospital has opened propaganda and training classes in communes for grassroots cadres. This is not only a professional activity but also a strategic step, demonstrating the determination to raise awareness and protect the mental health of the people of the Capital.

Equip knowledge from practice

Carrying out the task of improving the quality of mental health care in the community according to the direction of the Hanoi Department of Health , since the beginning of November, My Duc Mental Hospital has simultaneously deployed 10 training courses in 10 communes and wards, attracting the participation of 800 students.

Participants included leaders of departments and offices under the People's Committee, grassroots health workers , representatives of the Fatherland Front, village and hamlet organizations and those directly involved in social work. The number of 800 students shows the strong participation of the grassroots government system, the key force in spreading mental health knowledge to each household.

My Duc Mental Hospital has simultaneously deployed 10 training courses in 10 communes and wards. Photo: My Duc Mental Hospital .

Deputy Director of My Duc Psychiatric Hospital, Master, Doctor Nguyen Tien Manh emphasized that mental health is gradually becoming an "important front" no less than physical health. In a rapidly developing society, people have to face many invisible pressures - causing anxiety disorders, depression, behavioral disorders... to increase and become younger.

“Mental health plays a particularly important role, directly affecting the quality of life of each person. If detected early and intervened promptly, we will not only reduce the burden of disease but also contribute to stabilizing social security. People are only truly protected when they have a correct understanding of mental health, are not afraid, do not discriminate, and at the same time know how to proactively seek medical care as soon as abnormal symptoms appear,” Dr. Manh shared.

The grassroots medical team, union leaders and village cadres are the “core players” that help scientific knowledge reach every citizen. Photo: My Duc Mental Hospital

The grassroots medical team, union leaders and village and hamlet officials are the “core nuclei” that help scientific knowledge reach each person. Mental health is not an individual’s business – it is the responsibility of the whole community. In each training class, students are exposed to many key contents, closely following the actual needs of the grassroots. Hospital experts impart knowledge on early recognition of common signs of mental disorders, from emotional disorders, paranoia, abnormal behavior to prolonged stress.

In particular, the training on skills for approaching, advising and providing initial support was considered very useful by the trainees. These are practical skills that help them handle situations in the community, for example, approaching people with agitated behavior, reassuring people with signs of depression or guiding people to take care of their mental health.

The program also updates advanced mental health care models in the world, effective coordination methods between family, community, health care and referral procedures at My Duc Mental Hospital. Through this, students will better understand the role of each level in patient management and how to handle cases requiring emergency intervention.

With the knowledge equipped, the grassroots medical team will be able to screen better, manage patients more effectively, and reduce the burden on the upper level. At the same time, the leaders of communes, wards, and mass organizations will become a force to widely propagate to the people - a key factor to reduce stigma and improve the capacity to self-care for mental health in the community.

Organizing 10 consecutive classes in a short time demonstrates the determination of My Duc Mental Hospital in expanding the mental health care network, reaching deep into each residential area. This is also an important step in the strategy to protect and improve the quality of life of the people of the capital.

Expand, spread and cover comprehensively

As a Grade II specialized hospital under the Hanoi Department of Health, My Duc Psychiatric Hospital is currently responsible for managing and treating 43 communes of the city. With a team of highly qualified, ethical and dedicated doctors, the hospital receives and treats hundreds of patients every day, helping them stabilize their minds, integrate into the community and regain balance.

Each officer participating in the training course will become an “active propagandist”. Photo: My Duc Mental Hospital

By 2026, the hospital has determined to further accelerate communication and training work, aiming to cover the program in more communes and wards, so that no one is left behind.

Each officer participating in the training course will become an “active propagandist”, bringing the right message about psychiatry to each citizen. The goals that the hospital sets for the new phase include: Helping people understand correctly about mental illnesses, avoiding misconceptions and discrimination; equipping them with skills to recognize early signs of abnormalities; encouraging people to seek medical care early, not waiting until the illness is severe; building a community without discrimination, knowing how to support and accompany the sick; contributing to forming habits of protecting mental health for themselves and their families.

Following this orientation, My Duc Psychiatric Hospital not only treats patients but also plays an important role in prevention, a task that requires the cooperation of the whole society. With the determination of the medical team, the consensus of the local government and the positive response of the people, the hospital is gradually building a comprehensive, humane and effective model of mental health care.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/benh-vien-tam-than-my-duc-lan-toa-kien-thuc-suc-khoe-tam-than-den-co-so-723914.html