Agifes Meeting in Irun Highlights Challenges Faced by Families Living with Mental Health Conditions
Agifes recently held a meeting in Irun to address the needs of Bidosota families living with individuals with mental health problems. The Gipuzkoa association presented the conclusions of a study conducted by Salud Mental Euskadi, revealing that 9,175 homes in Bidasoaldea have a member with a mental health problem, according to Eustat data.
Psychologist Iker Arrizabalaga from Agifes emphasized the increasing focus on mental health issues since the pandemic, with a noticeable rise in behavioral and emotional disorders. Arrizabalaga stressed the importance of addressing mental health from various angles.
The study carried out by Salud Mental Euskadi highlighted the challenges faced by caregivers, with 80% of participants being caregivers themselves. It was found that family relationships and leisure time suffered as a result, with a majority of caregivers being women over 50 years old.
Arrizabalaga underscored the importance of providing support for families, stating that emotional well-being is closely tied to the people we love. The study also proposed improvements, including incorporating families into the therapeutic process.
Esme, a member of the Agifes support group, shared her experiences in the support group and the valuable information and support provided by Agifes. The support group has provided a space for mutual support, learning, and understanding for families facing mental health challenges.
The findings of the meeting shed light on the importance of addressing the needs of families dealing with mental health issues, with a focus on providing support and resources to improve their overall well-being.