PHILOSOPHY AND MENTAL HEALTH.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The paper aims to examine the relationship between philosophy and mental health. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The authors used integrative anthropological approach, interpretive research paradigm, hermeneutical approach. The data collection was carried out using Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, Google Scholar databases. Research papers were identified according to search terms: "mental health", "philosophy", "Ancient philosophy", "Epicureanism", "Stoicism", "Eastern philosophy", "Buddhism", "Taoism", "psychology", "psychotherapy", "anxiety", "depression", "happiness", "mindfulness", "meaning in life". CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Attempts to cope with life challenges, frustration, fear, anxiety, stress should not be isolated endeavors, but they need to be placed in a wider philosophical context, as far as every issue, including mental health issues, has a philosophical perspective at its core. Such experience can cultivate human strength, self-confidence, awareness, empathy. In times of uncertainty, when we do not know where to go, when we do not understand who we are and what is our purpose on earth, philosophy helps us to find our way. In the most difficult times, philosophy acts as a guiding star and consolation reconciling us with what we are unable to change.

ON WAR, UNCERTAINTY, AND FUTURE: LESSONS LEARNED FROM THE EASTERN PHILOSOPHY.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: The paper aims to examine the relationship between uncertainty and plans for the future in traumatic situations such as war, as well as the role of the Eastern philosophy and its practical implications in managing uncertainty. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The authors used integrative anthropological approach, interpretive research paradigm, hermeneutical approach along with narrative approach. The data collection was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases. Research papers were identified according to search terms "uncertainty", "mental health", "health", "refugee", "anxiety", "depression", "war", "future", "Eastern philosophy", "mindfulness". CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Bearing a set of negative beliefs about uncertainty and reacting negatively to uncertain and unpredictable situations, individuals fall into a vicious cycle of uncertainty fueled by their fear of uncertainty. Uncertainty takes us to the future that seems threatening or returns us to the world of primordial chaos. In both cases, we are not in the present moment, "here and now". As far as we have no control over the past and future, we feel helpless and experience fear, anxiety, depression. Returning to the present gives us back control over the situation. By expanding the range of possible visions of the future, we stop focusing on the worst-case scenario. By accepting the situation and realizing what is subject to our control and what is not, we learn to comfort uncertainty by elaborating possible futures taking into account both our desires and the current situation. Our thoughts and actions today determine our tomorrow. We cannot overcome uncertainty since it is ontologically predetermined. But we can manage our responses to uncertainty turning to the Eastern philosophy thereby maintaining our mental and physical health and expanding the functional field of human capabilities to achieve freedom and self-realization.

THE READINESS OF A YOUNG COUPLE TO ADOPT A CONSTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR DURING CONFLICT AS A FACTOR OF MENTAL HEALTH AND MARITAL SATISFACTION.

OBJECTIVE: The aim: To study the readiness of young couples to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict as a factor of mental health and marital satisfaction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study used a descriptive cross-sectional plan. The sample comprised 216 young families (n = 432 persons), and mixed methods design was used. The respondents were asked to evaluate the level of marital satisfaction, family value coherence, and anxiety to make a self-assessment of the level of conflict in their own family. RESULTS: Results: The participants showed a fairly high degree of marital dissatisfaction, as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic. The members of young dysfunctional families resorted to destructive behavior during conflicts, indicating the deteriorating mental health in these families. The stability of relationship between spouses is founded in their willingness to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The study helps understand the importance of the ability to adopt a constructive behavior during conflict in the context of family mental health and marital satisfaction. The findings of this study can serve as the basis for framing counseling programs for young families.