As the end of the year approaches, the Ministry of Health of Jujuy is encouraging residents to pay attention to their mental health. The message comes from the Secretariat of Mental Health, Addictions and Disability, which emphasizes the importance of self-care during times when school, work, academic, and sports cycles come to a close and holiday celebrations begin.
AgustÃn Yécora, Secretary of Mental Health, said: “Always considering mental health with a community perspective as proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO), and according to our campaign ‘With every gesture, a care,’ we must remember that in every situation in life we can count on others and also support others, even if we are not specialists. This means that a conversation, being able to talk and share can be very helpful, especially at the end of the year.”
Yécora added: “It may happen during these dates that we tend to be more alert because it is still an end of cycle; it often demands more activities or extra expenses, for example, intensifying emotions and sensations. In this state of alertness, we may find ourselves unable to sleep or eat well, unable to socialize or meet with loved ones or perhaps consuming food or substances in excess.”
He also noted: “It is important to observe that even at these ends of cycles, life goes on and many situations that we have not been able to resolve this year may be resolved next year with help from others,” recommending people “reach out to those we care about, let them know they are good for us, show them they matter. Taking those minutes to make them feel they are good for us are also key tools at this time for peaceful holidays in the company of loved ones.”
The Ministry suggests maintaining habits such as regular physical activity, adequate rest, proper hydration and healthy eating as ways to promote overall well-being.
“For those who feel they are not doing well, we have different free services available 24 hours a day through the public health system,” Yécora reminded.
Residents have access to several resources for mental health support. These include:
– A 24-hour helpline at 0800 888 4767.
– Emergency mental health services via SAME 107.
– Digital health assistance through http://salud.jujuy.gob.ar/asistenciavirtual/ Monday through Friday from 8 am to 8 pm.
– Hospitals providing round-the-clock mental health services such as Hospital Wenceslao Gallardo (Palpalá), Hospital Pablo Soria (San Salvador de Jujuy), Hospital Materno Infantil (San Salvador de Jujuy), Hospital San Roque (San Salvador de Jujuy), Hospital Paterson y La Mendieta (La Mendieta), among others.
– Other facilities operate with specific schedules including weekends and holidays.
Additional organizations offer support including municipal departments like Departamento de Salud Mental de la Municipalidad de San Salvador de Jujuy; non-governmental groups such as Fundación Vida and Asociación Civil Apostando a la Vida; educational programs; human rights offices; and faith-based initiatives.
A full list of centers is available online where residents can locate their nearest facility using this link: http://www.msaludjujuy.gov.ar:8022/CartasServicioWeb/Inicio
The Ministry highlights simple strategies for daily self-care: taking time for conversations or breaks with close people; breathing slowly; spending time outdoors; walking or engaging in any physical activity; ensuring quality sleep by keeping consistent schedules and limiting caffeine or screen use before bed; staying hydrated; eating nutritious foods; scheduling regular check-ups with professionals.
According to officials, everyone has the right to take care of themselves and access free professional support if needed.
