- Between 2021 and 2023, 104 clinical psychologists have joined the Andalusian health system.
Andalusia has become a pioneering autonomous community in promoting mental health policies and to prevent depression, among other disorders. With pioneering mental health policies, the Junta de Andalucía has managed to prevent and detect behaviors.
Mental health is one of the priorities of the Ministry of Health and Consumption for this legislature. So much so that between 2021 and 2023 they have joined 104 clinical psychologists.
Furthermore, The Government of Andalusia has invested more than 14 million euros in improving mental health infrastructure. It is the first time that a plan of these characteristics has been executed in Andalusia with actions framed in take care of mental health and prevent depression.
Public health is configured as central axis of the policies of the Government of Juanma Moreno. For 2024, the Junta de Andalucía allocates a budget of 14.246 million euros for the Ministry, which represents 30,5% of the total accounts. It represents 44,7% more than the last socialist budget of 2018 and 43,18% more than in 2018 in investment per inhabitant.
The Government of Andalusia launches the "Programme for the Prevention of Suicidal Behavior in Andalusia".
A pioneering program with the aim of reducing the incidence. #WorldMentalHealthDay pic.twitter.com/qhkepW0m9O
– PP of Andalusia (@ppandaluz) October 10, 2023
Tweet from World Mental Health Day.
Prevention in Andalusia
In the public health system of Andalusia, depression is addressed through clinical psychologist. This professional works in coordination with primary care professionals. Additionally, he supports and works on practices that impact this model.
Currently, Andalusia has 53 clinical psychologist positions. The health system has a driving group that channels the activity of these professionals through different actors (primary care, specialized care and mental health).
In this line, one of the most important actions are the Transdiagnostic Guidance Groups. Destined to children, teenagers and adults, in the groups we work with people with anxiety problems, depression and certain personality disorders.
We also have the Groups for Coping with Anxiety in Primary Care. They are psychoeducational psychological intervention groups that address mild to moderate anxiety disorders in Primary Care. They are aimed at people with anxiety disorders whose symptoms have not improved after being treated by their family doctor. The goal is to increase your ability to cope with anxiety.
Also noteworthy are the Socio-educational Groups of Primary Health Care. They have a guide as a support tool for primary care professionals who are going to form distinguished groups between men and women. The activity is group and focuses on weekly sessions.
To all these policies to prevent depression are added others framed in mental health care. These include the development of the first Andalusian Suicidal Behavior Program, the training of 411 school nurses to detect suicidal behavior or the creation of first External Advisory Council for the preparation of the Andalusian Mental Health and Addictions Plan.
#Andalusia It is a pioneer with the creation of the first External Advisory Council to develop the Andalusian Mental Health and Addictions Plan.
To @JuanMa_Moreno y @NunezFeijoo Mental health policies to prevent and address addictions are a priority today. pic.twitter.com/24GHO4xkuC
– Antonio Repullo Milla (@arepullomilla) July 15, 2023
The Depression
Depression is a complex, multidimensional and heterogeneous disease. It manifests itself on an emotional, physical and cognitive level, making it difficult to carry out daily activities.
In many cases it carries a stigma for people who suffer from it. It is still largely unknown to society, despite being one of the leading causes of disability throughout the world.
The importance of early diagnosis and prevention of depression for the patient's complete functional recovery.
It is estimated that around 50% of patients with depression are not treated correctly. There are at least 30% of affected people who have not been diagnosed with the disorder.
