Persistent low mood, constant anxiety, loss of interest in usual activities, disrupted sleep and appetite, low energy, and difficulty concentrating, communicating, working or studying — these states can be temporary, but sometimes they signal a need for professional support. Kazakhstan's Ministry of Health has explained which symptoms mean a doctor's visit should not be delayed and where help is available, the website infohub.kz reports.
"Anxiety, low mood and emotional strain can arise at different periods of life. But it is important to notice when these states begin to interfere with daily life," doctors stress.
The ministry listed the signs worth paying attention to: low mood or constant anxiety; loss of interest in usual activities; changes in sleep, appetite or energy levels; difficulty concentrating, communicating, working or studying.
Doctors note that if such changes persist, intensify or noticeably affect quality of life, it is worth seeing a specialist.
Where to start? "You can contact a primary health care (PHC) doctor, a psychologist or a mental health centre. Young people can also receive psychological support at youth health centres (YHCs)," the Health Ministry's statement says.
In addition, the website of the National Scientific Centre for Health Development (NNCRZ) runs a "Trust and Anonymous Assistance Service," where people can confidentially describe their situation and send a request to a psychologist.
The ministry stresses that you do not have to cope with everything on your own. Seeking professional help is a way of caring for your health, not a sign of weakness.
Earlier, Kursiv wrote that the Health Ministry inspected mental health services in Mangystau. At the time of the inspection, more than 9,000 people in the region were under dynamic observation, including more than 2,500 children.