The screening of "Angels of the Universe" sparked a discussion about schizophrenia and taboos in the field of mental health

Hello Cinema hosted a screening of the film "Angels of the Universe". Moderator Javid-aga, psychiatrist Fahmin Hagverdiyev and psychiatrist, Doctor of Philosophy in Medicine Gulay Mammadzade took part in the screening of the film. The film and discussion were devoted to schizophrenia and the perception of suicide, one of the sensitive topics of society. The film was released in the original Icelandic language, with subtitles and discussion in Azerbaijani. It is reported that the film reflects reality by 70 percent. The main theme of the film was related to the suicides of people with schizophrenia.

During the discussions, the invited guests touched on many topics. The participants of the discussion noted that this topic is currently one of the most relevant, which is not discussed openly in society and is considered taboo. It was the discussion that was Javid-aga's main goal after the screening of the film. "Angels of the Universe" was supposed to be released in September, when World Suicide Day is celebrated, but for some technical reasons, the screening and discussion took place on October 21.

The discussion began with the fact that the experts gave certain explanations on the main scenes of the film, which opens the viewer to the themes of schizophrenia and suicide in the life of the protagonist Paul.  "Angels of the Universe" is based on the book of the same name by Einar Mar Gudmundsson. It was shown that Paul was very seriously interested in painting and music. His friend tells him that he will become an artist like Van Gogh. This is because there is a more unusual approach in his paintings.

Experts noted that people prone to schizophrenia do not have an exacerbation all the time. "We have patients who are treated in such a way that we keep them under observation for 6 years. Six out of nine patients may eventually become schizophrenics. But the other three can continue their normal life with a different mindset and habits. This is because the soul is a form of perception of events. Others were able to transcend psychological experiences. But  six people could not survive the traumatic events, and it passed into the stage of schizophrenia,”  Fahmin Hagverdiyev

In the film, Paul can't accept that his beloved boyfriend is breaking up with him. It all starts here too. Everyone around says it will pass, and there are other girls. But for Paul, this girl just exists. Paul is already experiencing headaches. After that, he experiences violent behavior towards his family, alienation from friends, inability to get along with people and drawing completely different pictures in his room. In addition, he hears sounds and sees hallucinations. His family hospitalizes Paul. There he meets other people who see themselves in different images, such as himself.

The theme of the superiority of the mind of schizophrenics over others is also touched upon in the film. Experts noted that this approach is definitely wrong.

"Since schizophrenics' views on life differ from those of an ordinary person, their approaches are often more creative and different. But at the same time, due to contraceptives and the effects of drugs, they cannot use their abilities,” says Fahmin Hagverdiyev.

In the film, they have a chance to be discharged from the hospital for one day. They go to a restaurant where very expensive and elite people go, eat and drink. No one understands until they themselves say that they are schizophrenics.

"Believe me, they are really very smart and intelligent. When you talk to them, it's impossible to see the difference between them and other people. It's just understanding during attacks,” Gulai Mammadova said.

During the discussion,  the approach applied to people who do not want to be treated was also thouched.

In the film, Paul's family forcibly sends him to a psychological dispensary because he has already caused physical and psychological harm to other people. How ethical is it to put all people in compulsory therapy or in a hospital?

"If a person does not harm the lives of other people and does not expect danger, we prescribe treatment at home. Sometimes people ask for hospitalization because they don't feel uncomfortable at home. In this case, we do not do this, because they are completely disconnected from society in a medical institution. It also often leads to suicides,”  Gulai Mammadova noted.

"We cannot involve anyone in compulsory therapy. When a person turns himself, we help him. However, with schizophrenia, the situation is different. They are under the supervision of a doctor, and when they harm other people, strict precautions are taken.”

The film notes that it is impossible to keep patients under anesthesia all the time, but doctors can't do anything.

"Usually, the number of doctors, caregivers, nurses should be large, so that special attention is paid to them and less anesthetics are used. And it's unrealistic now." In another part, it is emphasized that such films and topics are not discussed. Should we talk about suicide in an open form? Why is it taboo to talk about schizophrenia or some kind of psychological problem?

According to experts, the presence of many taboos in society actually leads to the emergence of unhealthy approaches. The credibility of the development of the topic of suicide in the media has been questioned. Fahmin Hagverdiyev noted the importance of talking about it in the right place and at the right time.

"We should not talk about this in the presence of people who are suicidal or who often talk about it. This, of course, can mislead them.” But talking about the problems that can arise in human psychology helps people to be aware of each other and, most importantly, what is happening inside the person himself.

The discussion was further colored based on the questions and comments that the audience asked. Among the guests were psychologists and people deeply interested in psychology. One of the viewers asked a question about whether schizophrenia is a disease. However, experts said that schizophrenia, like other psychological problems, is not a disease.

"For example, a person with a broken heart has blocked arteries. We treat or treat him with medications. It's a disease. But not so with schizophrenia. A person subject to schizophrenia should be constantly under supervision. And this is pathology, as well as other psychological problems.”

One of the comments made during the discussion concerned the relationship between the psychologist and the person who addresses him.

"Psychologists should not directly interfere with the ego of the person who addresses him. When visiting a psychologist, it is necessary to study his approaches and techniques in depth. If a psychologist approaches the opposite side in a form that leaves a humiliating and negative effect, it is necessary to leave immediately.”

At the end of the discussion, the question was asked "Is it possible to cure or prevent schizophrenia?"

Gulai Mammadova: "Parents and school psychologists at school should constantly monitor children. And now it's not very real. In schools, it is necessary to analyze the drawings and behavior of children. Parents should consult a specialist when they notice different behaviors in their children. We can simply track and slow down the process of propensity to schizophrenia. In our life, many events are constantly happening to us, successful or unsuccessful. Each brain perceives them differently. We cannot know what can cause schizophrenia in a person. That's why we can't say that one day it won't settle in the brain. And when that happens, there will be no turning back. I say that 99 percent of people who apply say that a 40-year-old person will no longer develop schizophrenia. But there may be other psychological problems.”

The discussion reveals many problems that currently exist in society, for example, such as insufficient number of psychologists in schools and universities, insufficient attention to children, unavailability of psychologists for people with psychological difficulties.

Regarding the number of psychologists in educational institutions, experts believe that their number should be increased and this area should be supported by the state. On February 27, 2020, Prime Minister Ali Asadov signed a decree according to which the number of psychologists in state and municipal educational institutions is determined as follows: one psychologist per 1,000 people, 2 psychologists per 1,000-3,000 people, three full-time psychologists for more than 3,000 people.

In addition, the resolution states that the number of psychologists in a private educational institution should be determined by the highest governing body of this educational institution.

However, experts believe that the psychologists involved should certainly periodically take refresher courses to meet the challenges of the time.