Psychiatry specialist Amila Agović talks about her life, the pandemic and gives advice

 Can you tell me a little more about yourself, your career and are you happy with your job?

I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine in Sarajevo and currently specialize in psychiatry for the Zenica Health Center and attend education in cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Also, I completed the training for the leader of psychosocial treatment of perpetrators of gender-based violence or domestic violence.

Are you satisfied with your job?

I can freely say that I am doing a dream job.

Did you ever think you were going to do this job?

I hope I won’t overdo it if I say I enrolled in medical school to pursue psychiatry.

Coronavirus pandemic is rampant, has the number of people seeking help increased?

Unfortunately, the number of people seeking the help of mental health professionals has increased enormously both in Zenica and in other parts of BiH. This is a big challenge for all of us and we try to provide maximum help / support to everyone who needs our services.

Do you have any advice on how we can help ourselves during a pandemic?

Each of us has different mechanisms by which we fight stress. Primarily, they should limit the use of social networks and reading newspaper articles whose content is disturbing as well as the comments that accompany those articles. In my opinion, the three key things in the fight against stress are: sleep, humor and hobbies.

Is psychiatry different now and ten years ago?

When I'm talking to older colleagues, I get the impression that it is different. Like all branches of medicine, psychiatry is being modernized. Most psychiatrists nowadays are not only focused on biological therapy but also on psychotherapy which is a big advance. And decisions about treatment, therapy and treatment are generally made in agreement with the patient, which was unfortunately unimaginable in the past.

Are mental illnesses curable?

Mental illnesses are like all other illnesses, some of them are acute, and some are unfortunately chronic. With adequate therapy, help and psychosocial support, satisfactory remission can be achieved.

Do you have something to say at the end of the interview?

Take care of yourself and your mental health. If you need professional help, contact without any fear. Going to a psychiatrist / psychologist is not and should not be taboo.