Pro Mente sees rising demand for mental health care in Carinthia

The Pro Mente association in Carinthia says demand for mental health treatment is continuing to rise, particularly among children and young people. The organisation runs services at 50 locations in the state, ORF reported.

To raise awareness of mental illness and available support around World Mental Health Day, Pro Mente held a Mental Health Run in Klagenfurt on Friday. “It is more important than ever to talk about psychological distress,” said managing director Petra Müller.

Pro Mente’s psychosocial centres in Klagenfurt, Villach, Spittal an der Drau and Wolfsberg are often the first point of contact. Clinical psychologists work alongside social workers to support people, and appointments are free, Müller said.

The organisation has seen more children and teenagers seeking help with difficulties including problems with concentration and learning, as well as depression. At its mini outpatient clinics in St. Veit and Wolfsberg, clinical psychologists can conduct assessments and recommend targeted follow-up support, Müller said.

From October 20 to 22, Pro Mente will hold an interactive exhibition at Novum Villach, where visitors can experience what depression or schizophrenia can feel like.