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Life is not always a bed of roses. There are gloomy, gray days. And there are days when you feel completely broken. This feeling is not unfamiliar to me. But this time, I want to talk about a friend's experience.

We all know that in difficult situations, psychiatrists extend a helping hand. But, unfortunately, not all of them do. The friend I’m talking about turned to the Mental Health Center at Alytus City Polyclinic. Of course, she wasn’t registered, but when things get tough, sometimes you grab at any straw. She tried—maybe, just maybe, she would be heard and understood. Unfortunately, the doctor categorically refused and advised her to register and wait. And waiting would take at least a month. The woman couldn’t hold it in anymore—she cried and said a single word, "Maybe I won’t make it," because the thoughts in her head were not the most pleasant. And the doctor also responded quite briefly and clearly: "What can you do if you’re tired of living..."

After leaving the doctor’s office, she called me, and I could barely recognize her voice. I understood one thing—there was no more time to wait, action had to be taken.

The first step was to transfer her to Alytus District PHC, where the wonderful soul Doctor Rasa Baltušienė works. I accompanied my friend to her office, feeling anxious in my heart, wondering if we would be allowed in without an appointment and how we could continue helping her if we weren't. But as soon as we entered the office and saw the doctor’s warm, kind face, all doubts disappeared. After leaving the doctor’s office, we found the strength to stop by the polyclinic’s café. Sitting down with a cup of coffee, my friend smiled and said that she needed to visit the hairdresser. My eyes lit up with joy—I don’t remember hearing anything like that from her in recent times. She didn’t want anything, didn’t need anything, and my advice had become meaningless.

What did I want to convey with this writing? I only wanted to compare two doctors from the same field. One can destroy, and the other can bring back to life.

We sincerely thank Doctor Rasa Baltušienė for her understanding, attention, warmth, and love that she radiates to her patients. We wish her good health so that she doesn’t tire of giving herself to those who need it most.

Respectfully,

Birutė Vitkauskienė