Professional help in mental health often consists only of medication. Especially for older people. This is revealed by the study. Medications are cheaper and more easily accessible.
The study involved a thousand adults from Lasnamäe, Õismäe and Mustamäe. The results showed that people have many prejudices and confusion. They don't know where to turn for help.
Older people receive more pills than therapy. For example, those over 60 receive medication three times more often. Young people receive both.
Experts believe that older people would be willing to undergo therapy. But it is not offered to them or they don't know how to ask for it. Doctors don't offer it either.
Margus Tõnissaar says that medications are cheap and easily available. This makes access to mental health services difficult. The quality of services also varies.
Tõnissaar emphasizes that people should know who is a real psychologist. Many who call themselves psychologists are not. A professional qualification should exist.
Mental health is not just about pills and therapy. The support of family and community is also important. People need to learn social skills.
Mari Ader-Nobels says that the state wants to increase the availability of psychological help. In family doctor centers, mental health nurses, psychologists and counselors can help. The state also supports the training of specialists.