Mental health: workshops to encourage open conversation and change perceptions

Living with a psychological disorder and finding your place in society. In Monaco, the D’Amore Psy association rganizes workshops for people affected by psychological disorders, as well as workplace awareness sessions to better understand the reality of mental illness. MonacoSanté keeps you informed.

Breaking isolation and promoting social inclusion

The figures speak for themselves. Mental illness and psychological disorders affect nearly 20% of the population in France, approximately 13 million people. More than 25% of French people take anxiolytics, antidepressants and sleeping pills. Among 15-29 year olds, suicide is the fourth leading cause of death. Each year in March, two world days dedicated to schizophrenia and bipolar disorder highlight these conditions and their consequences. "50% of mental health disorders manifest by the age of 14, but most cases are neither detected nor treated", adds Mylène Lampidecchia, manager of GEMM, the Monegasque Mutual Support Group, which welcomes people living with psychological disorders throughout the year. Created in 2016 at 3, avenue Pasteur, at the initiative of the D'Amore Psy Monaco association, this centre aims to "break isolation and promote social inclusion for people living with psychological disorders," summarises its president Béatrice Latore. Each week, around forty people aged 17 to 70 take part in leisure activities such as yoga or meditation. "They meet in a safe environment and participate in positive activities. For their families or loved ones, this time represents a breath of fresh air, a genuine moment of respite", explains Mylène Lampidecchia. The aim is also to contribute to community life. "We try to take part in everything happening in society: litter collection, museum visits, activities offered by Monaco City Hall... They are citizens, they participate like everyone else".

Demystifying illness and identifying needs

Béatrice Latore, president of D'Amore Psy Monaco, is directly affected. In 2008, when she founded the association, she was learning to live with her daughter's illness. She then made it her mission to demystify mental illness and identify the needs of people with mental health conditions. "It is vital to seek support. A diagnosis announcement is an immense upheaval for the person concerned and their loved ones. For those who discover it unprepared, it is a real tsunami. To move beyond this phase of shock, support is needed to find appropriate help. And it isn't that simple". However, the world of mental illness must not remain confined to patients and their families alone. "Psychoeducation is essential", believes Béatrice Latore. With this in mind, the association organises Mental Health Meetings every two years. Last October, the seventh edition on the theme "Repairing social bonds" featured a conference led by psychiatrist Tommy Burté. "According to him, socialisation is very important for preventing risks. It will not always prevent acute episodes or hospitalisations, but it can delay them and reduce their frequency. We must therefore create conditions that promote participation in society" explains Mylène Lampidecchia.

Ten years on average to diagnose bipolar disorder

The professional world quickly emerged as a field for action. For the past year, with the support of a psychologist, D'Amore Psy has been offering mental health awareness workshops in the workplace. "For two hours, we address both managers and employees. Many HR managers find themselves struggling with situations they cannot manage", explains the GEMM manager. These workshops provide practical tools to better understand psychological disorders, know how to respond to a person in a vulnerable situation and establish best practices that promote a climate of psychological safety. The central message: stay attentive to colleagues' mental health. "We have somewhat lost the way we look out for each other. Everyone is focused on themselves. It is about making people more vigilant. The longer the diagnosis is delayed, the harder it is to stabilise the person. On average, it takes ten years to diagnose bipolar disorder", points out Béatrice Latore. With GEMM, the association is now recognised as educational support and a complement to medical care. It now wishes to expand its premises. Mylène Lampidecchia and Béatrice Latore, both trained as Mental Health First Aiders, will soon be involved in a psychoeducation programme for carers. The association also hopes for the creation of a medicalised care facility in the Principality and the development of peer support. "The peer supporter has recovered from psychological disorders themselves. They fully understand the issues faced by the person they support", explains Béatrice Latore. D'Amore Psy Monaco leads by example: Séverine, a former stabilised member, has been hired as an activities assistant to support GEMM members.

Practical information: www.damorepsy.org
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