by Google
We live in an era that forces us to compare ourselves, where every day we see brilliant children, groundbreaking discoveries or inventions, and then we ask ourselves what we can contribute. Do we have anything at all? Are we important to this world? Such thoughts weigh heavily on many young people, which is why Ipčko, an innovative helpline for young people, was created. Selassie, who has been working with Ipčko for a long time, also decided to spread awareness about mental health. In addition to various campaigns, they created a very enjoyable stream where, from the comfort of the couch and while playing Crash, they introduced Ipčko and talked about the topic of mental health in young people. We saw this live stream and bring you answers to important questions that were asked during the stream along with a short interview with Sláž.
Questions from the livestream answered by Marek and Zuzka from Ipčko:
What is Ipčko?
Ipčko is an organization where 127 psychologists work, and which tries to help young people in situations when they feel lonely, angry or disappointed. Simply, when something is bothering them, they can come via chat, email, video or phone and anonymously connect with experts who are here for them nonstop 24/7. It is like a modern and innovative hotline, where hundreds of young people come every day.
What is Machovisko?
Machovisko is a café created by Ipčko, where young people can come to play calceto, playko or have a kofola and talk to experts when something is bothering them. In Machovisko, you will not meet a bartender or waiter, a psychologist will pour you a kofola there, because all the staff are psychologists who are ready to take care of visitors. In addition to the fact that young people in Machovisko can play games, there is a room called Kčko for those of them who need to talk privately with an expert. Kčko is located in Nitra and Banská Bystrica in addition to Bratislava.
Who can contact Ipčko? Is there an age limit?
Anyone can contact the Internet helpline at any time. There is no age limit at Ipčko, and whether you are 12 or 70 years old, psychologists are here for you 24/7.
How to tell if someone needs help or wants attention?
Even if a person is not telling the whole truth, they always have a reason why they are opening a specific topic. It is never just like that. And gradually when the person who contacts Ipčko experiences that the experts on the line can accept them even when they are making things up, they will come up with a topic that really bothers them.
Why do so many young people have psychological problems today?
It is very complicated, but to put it simply, it is influenced by enormous pressure to perform. A few years ago, young people said that they didn't go to adults or friends to talk about their difficulties because they expected punishment, and over time, this reason has changed. For the last 5 years or so, young people have been telling us that they don't talk about their difficulties because they don't want to disappoint their loved ones. They seem to always have to wear their masks and pretend to be perfect and become very successful.
Interview with Selassie:
Hi Matej, you regularly collaborate with Ipček on content creation. What has this partnership brought you and why is it important to you?
“It really opened my eyes to mental health issues in young people, because I had no idea that it was such a big problem and the pandemic has made it even worse. I am much more aware of what is happening among young people, what problems they have, and I try to help them at least in a way that I raise awareness about it, show them that help exists and they are not alone.”
During the stream, you and Marek also talked about the fact that young people feel a lot of pressure to perform. Do you feel this way too? Do you feel that you have to be very successful in life?
“I personally feel the pressure to perform as well, sometimes more and sometimes less. From my perspective, the pressure is created by the fact that so many people rely on me, who they watch me and expect me to entertain them. I'm in a position where I want to entertain these people, I should entertain these people, and for me, the pressure is that I'm afraid that I won't entertain them. And that's my problem, that's a thought that I often think about. Whether the videos or the things I create in general are good enough to entertain them and get them out of their daily misery.”
“But there is definitely pressure to be successful. I myself am in a group of people who are very successful for their age, and I personally would like to maintain what I have achieved so far and continue to work on it. So there is definitely pressure, but it is important not to get carried away and not to chase the idea that I have to be the best in the world at everything now, but rather to focus on the things I am good at and improve at them.”
Do you have moments when you feel overwhelmed by the amount of responsibilities? What helps you stay grounded then?
“I feel that way every single day. It helps me clear my head, think about the really important things, set my priorities and have a routine. I often do things haphazardly and then wake up and start doing them gradually the way they are supposed to be done. I don't have a classic job where I can take time off or just change jobs, because if I stop working, I can lose what I have built and that is where all the thoughts that stress me out come from.”
Do you do anything for your own mental well-being? Do you meditate or go to nature? What are your activities that help you switch off your mind?
“Lucka and I used to practice yoga every day, and it was very pleasant. I often light an incense stick in the studio, it helps me relax a little, and I go for a walk. For example, we learned to scuba dive, I love activities that are also psycho-hygiene for me and I love activities where I have to focus only on that particular activity. A walk or just a coffee by the Danube is also great, such little things help me a lot when I enjoy the moment, because now I am here and I am not solving anything in my head.“
What would you say to people who are going through difficult times, but are afraid to confide in someone?
“The most important and most common thing I always tell people who are in a difficult situation is not to write to me, but to places that are determined. And when some people write to me, I always refer them to Ipčko. Because there are experienced people there who can really help a person. It is important not to be alone with the problem. And if someone is afraid to confide in their parents or friends, there is Ipčko, a place where you don't have to be afraid to confide. It is anonymous, it is free, there are trained psychologists who are dedicated to people and can always give advice. There is nothing embarrassing about it and there is no shame in writing to a specialist if someone doesn't know how to cope."
"Each of us has our own problems and the worst thing, I say this from my own experience, is to solve those problems only in our own heads, which will only cause more difficulties. Don't worry, don't be alone and we will get through this together. Hang in there."
If you find yourself in a situation where you are lonely, angry, disappointed or simply having a hard time, contact Ipčko, an online counseling center for young people.
