New Law for Mental Health Problems

In Kosovo, there are no accurate statistics at the country level of how many people suffer from mental health problems. Meanwhile, from a local point of view, in the Pristina municipality, according to figures presented, the number of people with intellectual injuries is 195.

Bajram Morina is 30 years old. He suffers from a mental - health problem. Yet, it has been painting for 19 years now. He has performed the faculty at Pristina University and is now continuing his master at the Art Branch. Morina says that she has many friends who have been helped and placed in society. There are various paintings, some you sell.

I've drawn older cities, greens, quiet nature, flower vases, I've used many colors and I love colors. I've been drawing 19 years. Now I'm going to master”.

I also sell my paintings, but I don't sell it much, usually internationals buy my paintings. One bought a lot of paintings and loved them. I usually draw at home. I live with my parents and brothers”, Morina said.

There are several organizations that deal with the protection of these people's rights and care on daily grounds.

Club “Dirie” is one of those organisations that serves to rehabilitate people with problems in the mental health sphere.

Morina says he goes to Club “Deserira”, and that associating with people of his category as well as helping out from the psychiatrist there has helped him a lot.

I go to Club “Deseria” and I feel very good. I've got a lot of friends there, and they're pretty good”, he said.

Armenda Behrani, from the office for good governance under the prime minister's office, told Radio Free Europe, that it currently has a law on limited capacity. It also allows for the distribution of 75 euros a month for such ones.

But, she says these tools are insufficient, and are waiting to analyze the real needs of people with mental problems and then proceed with the new law which is already in processing.

Kosovo's “government has continued its efforts to create a real legislation that supports all disabled persons, including those with mental health problems depending on the need they have”.

The “is also about financial support, literal access to a normal life, that is, a steward who is very necessary for this category”, Behrani says.

Then in education, health, their vital activities, and so on. Our office is part of drafting the document and is expected to approve it. Then we're expecting an intensive job in drafting the law, and it'll give a boost to persons with limited skills”, Behrani stressed.

Although there is initiative in employing those with mental health problems, their employment in numbers is symbolic.

Nusret Shillova director of the “Desira”, says they have managed to employ some people from time to time, but that has been seasonal work. He says that they mostly work as tailors, create different cards, which they then sell.

One of the employees is Lumnie Demoll. She said she's working on cards that are drawing or working on different materials. From their sale, she says the money earned is being used for the needs of the rehabilitation centre.

I've been leaving the house since 2004 and going to Club”Djeira”. I'm actually working on cards. The prices we have assigned are 2 euros and higher. We do the cards with hearts, flowers, squares depending on”.

The “Material buys us the club, but sometimes the Pristina Community helps us. Money is being collected for the needs of the rehabilitation center where we spend the day. I'm very happy to be working”, Demolli said.

According to the World Health Organization's recommendations, however, prevention begins with awareness regarding the meaning of signs and early symptoms of mental health problems.

Parents and teachers can help build the skills of children and teenagers in life, cope with daily challenges at school or in the family, and psychosocial support that can be offered in school or in the community. (REL)