Shaman Durek Verrett, who is engaged to Princess Märtha Louise, gives shamanistic advice to people struggling with suicidal thoughts in an Instagram video. – What you have to do is say: Spirit, mind, emotions and body, create a powerful energy field that reminds me why I exist, and why it is important that I am on earth. So move me into observation. Take a deep breath and see what comes up, instructs Verrett in the video. The video was published on Thursday evening. Durek Verrett has over 300,000 followers on Instagram. Verrett claims that such work can help remove “suicidal spirits”, and bring those who struggle with suicidal thoughts back to the “centre”. In 2022, there were 610 people who took their own lives, according to figures from the Institute of Public Health. – There is no evidence for what he says Professor Lars Mehlum, psychiatrist and head of the National Center for Suicide Research and Prevention, says Durek Verret’s statements about suicide are not based on knowledge. – There is no evidence that what he says has anything to do with it. It’s easy to use words like slurs and slurs, but I understand that it’s well-intentioned. Nevertheless, these are serious matters, which one should not undertake to inform people about without having factual knowledge, says Mehlum. Psychiatrist Lars Mehlum is concerned that vulnerable people may opt out of knowledge-based offers after hearing Verrett’s advice. Photo: Truls Alnes Antonsen / news Mehlum fears that Verrett’s message could make things worse for those struggling with suicidal thoughts. – They may sometimes have problems orienting themselves in the multitude of messages. They can end up putting their trust in this type of solution, and when it fails, it can actually make matters even worse, says Mehlum. – Recognizing the importance of school medicine Durek Verrett writes via his manager Simon Valvik that he is speaking on a personal basis, and that his statements in no way reflect the views of the royal family or Princess Märtha Louise. news has been in contact with the royal house, which does not want to comment on the matter, and refers to Verrett’s manager Simon valvik. At the same time, Verrett emphasizes that his content is intended for his followers and supporters, who “are familiar with his methods and his understanding and practice of shamanism”. Verrett claims most of these followers are Americans, and not Norwegians, but news has not been able to verify this claim. Princess Märtha Louise and Shaman Durek Verrett attend an event in Tromsø in 2019. The couple will marry in August 2024. Photo: Rune Stoltz Bertinussen / NTB – In the USA, there is closer contact between alternative medicine and school medicine. Healers, acupuncturists and shamans work side by side with medical staff in many hospitals, and find common understanding where everyone can benefit from each other’s knowledge and practice, says Verrett. Verrett says at the same time that his message must be seen as a supplement to scientifically based medicine. – I respect what professionals such as doctors and psychologists do, and I don’t try to tell them how to do their job. It’s about respecting each other and understanding that we all have different ways of helping people. Verrett believes shamanism has its own value and place when it comes to looking after people’s well-being. He believes this alternative form of treatment is based on old wisdom. – Durek recognizes the importance of the healthcare system and school medicine. He has done that on several occasions, the first time at Skavlan in 2019. Without the healthcare system and school medicine, he would not be alive today, adds manager Simon Valvik. Leve: – An insult Petter Eide, chairman of Leve – the National Association for Survivors of Suicide, believes Verrett’s advice is “vicious” and an “insult to all the people out there who are in very vulnerable situations”. – The most important thing you can do if you are vulnerable and perhaps have suicidal thoughts is to seek help. Verrett advises people not to seek help, but to expel evil spirits with their own strength. It goes against all professional advice on how to handle people in crisis, says Eide to news. Petter Eide is chairman of the organization Leve – the National Association for survivors of suicide. He has previously been a parliamentary representative for SV and secretary general of Amnesty Norway. Photo: Martin Roaldsø / news Eide believes that people who have suicidal thoughts should seek help from their closest network and from the healthcare system. Eide points out that every year several thousand people attempt to take their own lives in Norway. – The last thing we need now is a shaman to come and tell us how to deal with that challenge in Norway, without him having familiarized himself with any of the professional recommendations that apply in this field, says Eide. Need someone to talk to? There are several helplines, chat services and support groups where you can share your thoughts and feelings completely anonymously, and get support, advice and guidance. Here you will find several helplines and chat services that can be of help when you are having a hard time. For children and young people: Source: Helsenorge.no The Queer Youth Helpline also offers help to those struggling with suicidal thoughts. Lars Mehlum advises those who know someone who is thinking about suicide to initiate a conversation, as well as to seek help from the healthcare system. – Talk to the person concerned. Be clear and direct. Get a conversation going, uncover the problems, and depending on what comes up; take action and don’t let it fester or wait for it to get better by itself, says Mehlum. Mehlum recommends that you make use of the several offers that are available during the day, or go to the emergency room or call the emergency number in the evening or at night.
ttn-69
Psychiatrist warns against Durek Verrett’s advice to fight suicidal thoughts – news Norway – Overview of news from different parts of the country
