"THE PSYCHIATRIST'S INITIAL DIAGNOSIS: DEPRESSION CAUSED BY UNEMPLOYMENT"
As a result of our persistent reporting, the second psychiatrist assigned by the Provincial Health Directorate has started duty. Specialist Dr. Arzu Dalmış stated: “Most of my first patients were complaining about unemployment. There is an epidemic of hopelessness in Torbalı!”
The psychiatrist shortage in Torbalı, which had been repeatedly highlighted by our newspaper and Yeni Asır, has now been resolved. With the number of temporarily assigned psychiatric specialists in the district increased to two, the service will now be available five days a week. Following Specialist Dr. Levent Cem, who started duty in recent days, Specialist Dr. Arzu Kitis Dalmış also began working yesterday. Working at Buca Seyfi Demirsoy State Hospital, Dr. Arzu Dalmış examined 31 patients on her first day. She reported that a large portion of the patients she examined suffered from depression and anxiety disorders, and stated that, as in the rest of the country, there is a widespread “epidemic of hopelessness” in Torbalı. She also emphasized that a psychiatrist alone cannot effectively prevent suicides in Torbalı and said it is important to first identify the root causes of suicide.
UNEMPLOYMENT AND IDLE TIME
Dr. Arzu Kitis Dalmış, who started her temporary assignment at Torbalı State Hospital, will see patients on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. She stated that among the 31 patients she examined on her first day, many had unemployment-related problems, and that she did not encounter any suicide-risk cases on that day. She said:
“As far as I observed, the common problem among patients is unemployment and staying idle at home. A large portion of them are in a very complicated psychological state. When a person does nothing at home, they fall into depression and their self-respect decreases. I believe one of the most important factors behind suicides is economic difficulties. Because this leads to job loss and deteriorates family relationships, which inevitably affects children as well.”
SUICIDE OR SUBSTANCE ADDICTION
Stating that television advertisements also have a significant impact on children’s psychology and that sensitivity is needed in this regard, Dr. Kitis Dalmış said:
“Suicide is partly a learned behavior. Children and young people imitate what adults do. If suicide is seen as a way out of problems, it can become a learned behavior over time. A depressed person may start to see suicide as the easiest solution. Suicide also has a modeling aspect. A teenager is already confused and tends to imitate those around them. If there are depressed parents at home, or if the child is under pressure and not respected, they may either turn to suicide or substance use as an escape. Children must be taught how to cope with stress.”
A PSYCHIATRIST ALONE CANNOT PREVENT SUICIDE
Emphasizing that suicides cannot be prevented by a psychiatrist alone, Dr. Kitis Dalmış said:
“First of all, the reasons that lead people to suicide must be investigated. We do not yet know the main cause of suicides in Torbalı. It may even be that we cannot stop them. As in the rest of the country, there is an epidemic of hopelessness in Torbalı. We do not hear good news, nor do we find reasons to start life positively.”