November 17, 2021
News
Along with the autumn days come glooms and bad mood, which negatively affects the overall mental well-being of many people. A worsening of psychological state can be felt, especially by those who already suffer from mental illness. In addition, along with the autumn, there is an increase in the numbers of people infected by Covid-19, which may result in a renewed restriction of everyday life. It is important not to hide one´s inner struggle and look for help early. Caritas Czech Republic operates several crisis lines to which Czech citizens can turn with their problems.
The task for crisis lines is to provide support and information that can lead the callers to resolve their problems. „We do not judge, and we help with empathy and listening. We try to be the support for the caller in the decision to solve the problematic situation actively or to refer them to seek professional help,“ explains Zdeňka Švancarová, the Manager of the Helpline in Blansko.
Crisis lines are currently most frequently called by people facing various illnesses, loneliness, problems in relationships, depressions, and anxiety. On the contrary, calls regarding the pandemic recently almost disappeared. It is mainly middle-aged people or seniors who share their trouble, but occasionally adolescents also call. „We do not get many calls from victims of domestic violence, but that does not mean there are not any among us. They are often afraid to speak up. They are ashamed of what they are experiencing,“ says Zdeňka Švancarová.
The number of callers has not changed excessively at the beginning of autumn compared to this summer. The Helpline in Blansko noticed a significant increase in calls primarily last year when the number of callers increased by 20 % due to the pandemic.
If Czech citizens find themselves in a hopeless situation or psychological discomfort, they do not need to worry and may call one of our crisis lines. „ It is sometimes enough to talk or listen to someone unbiased and get some perspective and encouragement. Our Helpline is anonymous, and staff is bound by confidentiality,“ assures the Helpline Manager.
- We can also advise and help debtors. There is currently a renewed law of Merciful Summers in the Czech Republic, which can help many find their way out of debt traps.
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