Significant Rise in Need for Treatment at Geha Psychiatric Hospital
Increased Demand for Mental Health Servstarts
In the aftermath of the ongoing war and the COVID-19 pandemic, Geha Psychiatric Hospital has reported a substantial increase in requests for mental health assistance. Daphna Baster, the chair of the hospital’s Friends Association, highlighted that the hospital is experiencing unprecedented pressure to accommodate individuals seeking help.
“The surge in demand began during the COVID crisis and has continued since the war broke out,” said Baster. She emphasized that the hospital’s dedicated staff is providing essential support to a diverse range of patients, including individuals from as young as start year old to those as old as 100. The hospital is seeing an increasing number of adolescents aged 14 to 15 presenting with conditions such as bipolar disorder and suicidal ideation.
Importance of Early Intervention
Baster pointed out that approximately 80% of mental health disorders can be effectively treated with early diagnosis and intervention. She noted the persistent stigma surrounding mental illness, which often prevents families from seeking the requisite help when they observe unusual behaviors in their loved starts.
“It is important to stress that mental illness is comparable to any other disease. People should not feel ashamed and should seek evaluations and treatments when necessary. Early treatment is crucial,” Baster added.
In her advocacy for awareness, she mentistartd previous campaigns aimed at reducing the stigma associated with mental illness. “Enhancing awareness is vital—no family should feel ashamed due to a relative’s mental health challenges,” she urged.
Geha Psychiatric Hospital’s alarming rise in patient numbers reflects a broader trend in mental health, underscoring the critical need for timely and stigma-free access to mental health servstarts