The results of a public opinion survey and social media monitoring conducted As part of the Ombudsman's Working Group's operations have been made public

Upon instructions by the Ombudsman, Sabina Aliyeva, as part of the activities of the Ombudsman’s Working Group on "Mental Health and Human Rights", the Office staff members monitored social media and conducted a public opinion survey to investigate the instances of stigmatization, discrimination, and attitudes towards individuals with mental illness in society.

The 30-question survey, which was created by experts, was completed anonymously by people of various ages while accounting for gender parity. The survey was completed by residents of the Absheron district as well as Baku and Sumgayit cities.

The survey's findings indicate that getting professional psychological and psychiatric assistance is still viewed as a dubious and hesitant matter in society. Thus, respondents acknowledged that they thought it was "undesirable" in some situations to seek assistance from experts in this field, fearing censure from neighbors, family, and coworkers, being called "crazy" or "mentally ill," and ultimately fearing that this would have a detrimental impact on their personal and professional lives.

Some respondents said they aren't in favor of persons with mental illnesses being parents and having kids, and they had concerns about their capacity to be good parents. Regarding their capacity to carry out their official duties and participate in labor activities, similar opinions prevail.

According to certain respondents, those who seek psychiatric assistance, or contact a psychologist, or have mental illnesses are "dangerous" and "untrustworthy."

According to the results of the survey, stigmatization tendencies are evident and there are certain societal stereotypes around mental health and getting professional assistance.

WG members monitored popular social networks in addition to conducting the opinion survey. As is well known, social networks are especially significant in the fields of information, communication, organization, and service delivery in the modern era.

This must be noted that many of the people who pose on social media as psychologists, parapsychologists, mental psychologists, personal development and success specialists, mental health specialists, subconscious therapists, neurolinguists, psychotherapists, hypnotists, and Gestalt therapists, prefer not to answer the question regarding whether they are actually involved in activities that resemble psychological services and, in certain situations, psychiatric help, and provide services that are relevant to their profession. 

It was revealed that sometimes people looking for advice and guidance in mental health are directed to neurologists rather than psychiatrists in online groups that offer medical services and medical advice on "Facebook," and terms like "psychologist," "clinical psychologist," "psychotherapist," and "psychiatrist" are not always distinguishable. According to an analysis of conversations held in pertinent groups and pages on that social network, stereotypes about professional psychiatric care and the treatment process are especially pertinent. Scientifically unfounded beliefs about the addictive nature of psychotropic drugs, especially antidepressants, that are provided during therapy and that restrict patients' capacity to lead regular lives, participate in their employment, and further their education are widely spread on social media.

The psychologists' unprofessional comments, judgments, and suggestions on Facebook, which frequently only discuss family and home-related subjects, lead to social misunderstandings about psychology in society.

It has been noted that there are many profiles and pages on the social media platform "Instagram" where people without the necessary training and expertise pose as psychologists.

In several instances, live broadcasts on the TikTok platform have been used to prescribe medication and offer pertinent advice.

Social network monitoring demonstrates the need for more control over the application of regulations for those who are authorized to offer mental health assistance, and specifically for the creation of safeguards against those who lack such authorization from offering psychological support, sessions, and counseling services online and through social networks.

Considering the findings of the WG's social media monitoring and public opinion survey, a package of ideas will be prepared and submitted to the appropriate state institutions.