Gods never fall sick or die: dictatorship and mental health in Egypt - Introduction

A Special Author Introduction
Middle East Current Psychiatry

ISSN: 2090-5416• Frequency: 4/year • Subscribe Now • Journal Website

By Yasser Abdel Razek Elsayed

The World Health Organization defines mental health as ‘a state of well being in which an individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community. A psychiatrist is not a politician; however, he/she should be aware of the political system of the country. This political system can change many issues in the norms of the people and in the healthcare system used by them. People under dictatorship control are frustrated to the degree that they believe that their leaders can do everything, everywhere, and at anytime the same as Gods. People usually hope to get rid of their dictator leaders but these dictators remain for many years and people lose their hope even for natural death of these dictators as Gods never fall sick or die. Increasing and persisting socioeconomic problems that are usually associated with dictatorship are recognized risks to mental health. In addition, the greater vulnerability of disadvantaged people in a dictatorship community to mental health disorders may be explained by factors such as the experience of insecurity and hopelessness and the risks of torture and violence against them. People under dictatorship control lose all dimensions of the definition of mental health as they are not in a state of well being, lose their abilities to cope with stresses of life, many of them are unproductive, and others are unemployed, unable to make any contribution to the community. An environment that protects and respects basic human, political, socioeconomic, and cultural rights is fundamental to mental health promotion. Countries torn by dictatorship face higher levels of distress, and yet they are most in need of productive, healthy citizens. Treating or reducing the psychological impacts of dictatorship and promoting resilience in otherwise physically healthy individuals are critical to help to rebuild those countries.

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