Free Mental Health Counselling Offered at Mustamäe Männipark on Saturday

Saturday's Mustamäe Männipark barbecue will offer free mental health counselling at the municipal office tent from 12-4pm. The Estonian-Swedish Institute of Mental Health and Suicidology is organising the event as part of the international research project MENTBEST. In addition to depression, the event will address loneliness, a widespread problem among residents.

A free mental health counselling tent will open on Saturday, 21 June in Mustamäe Männipark, where specialists will be ready to listen and offer advice from 12 to 4pm. The event takes place during Männipark's barbecue gathering, with the counselling service located in the municipal office tent.

The counselling activity is organised by the Estonian-Swedish Institute of Mental Health and Suicidology (ERSI) as part of the international research project MENTBEST, which aims to find effective ways to prevent and treat depression.

Loneliness as a Pain Point

In earlier discussions held in Õismäe, alongside depression symptoms and treatment options, the issue of loneliness has come sharply to the fore. In apartment buildings, people often live alone and fear burdening loved ones with their worries. Both elderly people whose circle of contacts has narrowed over time and stay-at-home parents experience isolation.

Specialists' advice for combating loneliness is to start with small steps. "I would encourage people to greet even a neighbour, have a chat with their local librarian or exchange a few words with a familiar shop assistant. These small contacts help reduce the feeling of isolation. Coming to community events in nice weather could be a good reason to leave the house," an ERSI specialist has suggested.

Where to Turn

At the tent, visitors can discuss their own concerns as well as how to support a loved one facing mental health difficulties. If an issue requires professional intervention, according to specialists, the first right point of contact is a GP or mental health nurse.

Although many are not accustomed to seeing their GP as a provider of mental health support, this system is being actively developed. GPs and nurses are being continuously trained, and GP practices are introducing evidence-based self-help programmes such as iFightDepression. Saturday's tent is part of a broader initiative called "Depression-Free Tallinn".