It's a difficult situation... ...I don't really know...
Sometimes it's OK between us, but other times things turn to shit.
In a way it's hurting me, even though they try not to.
I'm sixteen.
- What are you looking for? - There is a person down there.
- Do you know the person? - No
- How long has he been down there? - About 30 minutes.
Thanks
Once a week at first, later when ever I needed
but it was difficult if there was a sudden need, because they were always busy.
Is this the answer to the unemployment problem?
If we could find a solution to that problem we would help the world
unemployment is not a uniquely Danish problem. Unemployment and inflation.
But it's very high in Denmark?
- Yes, if we count, but I am not sure...
Now after the last field operation, how is the job situation?
- It's hard. There are no jobs.
- Have you tried? - Yes. There's too many unemployed
- Have you tried? - No.
- What are your qualifications? - I am unskilled. No jobs...
What about you Lars?
I'm 20 years old.
And I've just been refused from the art academy...
...I'll try again next year.
For most young people who attempt suicide, it's a cry for help.
But for the older ones, more frequently they really want to end their lives
here many factors play a part
There is a greater chance to find the young ones in time
because they have more people around them
The older persons are often more alone, lonesome...
that's why we often find them too late.
It was based upon collective therapy. Something I wasn't interested in
I didn't do that at home. And I didn't find any meaning
in sitting around knitting ties.
So I spent most of the time drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes.
I'm a priest, and some of my spare time I spend in the Saniola office.
Saniola is an emergency service People can call us 24 hours a day
if they're in some sort of crisis. We're here to talk to them.
Most are middle-aged men, but also many young people call us
When accidents are reported the fire department sends an ambulance
so you'll always reach the fire department by calling 000.
And get the required assistant by ambulance
also in cases of suicide or attempted suicide.
That is a very controversial subject. Recent studies from the USA
have found that people dead from suicide had a lesser degree of certain
chemicals in their brains than people who
died in accidents.
For three years. We started as an experiment
We were afraid at the beginning People didn't think it could be done
to play for small children. They couldn't pay attention for 30 minutes
Have the Communists ever before asked a Conservative Prime Minister
to manage the problems?
We had to make contact with him because the Communists, for a long time
have been kept out of the discussion. And the situation is getting worse.
The term Personality Disorder simply means that some people cannot
stand the pressure society and people place on each other
The patient reacts to the pressure from the outside with affect
and may try to attempt suicide.
25% of all requests are personal. The rest are by phone.
- How many potatoes shall I cook? - 3 each, OK?
- Then we'll eat later - Good
No newspaper at the table!
For the last 10 years I've worked the Intensive Care wards of most
Copenhagen hospitals, which is where most suicide attempts arrive
no, those words are seldom used.
Often people have problems expressing their anxiety
they feel the anxiety but can't find the words to describe it
in those cases it is horrible.
They entail a large number of the suicide attempts, but
there are no statistics on suicide attempts.
- You must clean up your room! - Yeah, yeah...
I have the impression many adults are afraid of children and
want to put them in boxes from an early age
and don't want to believe in their potential.
When we play some parents won't let their children
participate. They hold them back.
There is an unnecessary mystique about Electric Shock Treatment
ECT means placing electrodes on both sides of the cranium
then low voltage electricity is sent
deep into the brain.
Not at all. And I asked for it
but she was not even interested in discussing
how much mutual intimacy there should be between us
That is really hard to answer...
I think I am a girl with OK self control
with a feeling of inadequacy and insecurity
that I think is common for many
but how I feel as a person... I can't answer that.
It's the first time I have been asked that question.
I have been asked "How do you see yourself?"
But the question "How do you feel about yourself?"
Is the first time anybody has asked.
- When are you home today? - Same time as always.
- I'll call if I am late. - Good, thanks.
It's a new concrete town for 10,000 people
with approx 3,000 apartments
the town consists of 12 16-storied buildings
and a long row of undetached houses towards the highways
and some 4-storied buildings behind.
The rent is 1,100kr per month for a two-roomer
and 1,500 per month for a five-roomer
The premium for the two rooms is 11,000kr and 15,000 for five rooms
- I heard you cry - Yes...
- Something wrong? - Yes it is
- I can't stand it like this. - No you are right
- Can you stand it much longer? - No.
We should come to a clarification... it's hard having him around snaring
- Yes, if you say so.
As long as you go to school you'll do your best, then we can discuss the matter later
I've told you a thousand times: I'm tired of school!
You should learn when you have the chance.
- That's what you always say! - Yes...
...you could attend home economics... - Home economics? Never!
Why not? You'll learn how to manage a household.
It doesn't mean anything
...to get food on the table everyday!
- Mom is coming for dinner tonight. - Oh yes...
I'm out tonight, so it's fine you'll stay at home...
Me home? I'll attend a meeting at the Vega Club
Oh...
Then Jorunn can entertain my mother till I come home.
- Are you home tonight? - No. Meeting at the office.
I'm sorry. Wish I could participate tonight but...
You promised!
Yes. Definitive.
People who have tried to take their own lives
even if it they didn't succeed in the attempt
have probably a very high risk of trying to commit suicide again.
The poisoning department at Bispebjerget Hospital handles acute poisoned patients
from all Copenhagen
In 1973 we had approx 1,300 patients.
That question contains a whole lot of romanticism and sentimentality.
No I don't think that the psychiatrist should make the patient a part
of the psychiatrist's own private life.
For four months,
then, the ward was restructured, group-therapy was the new treatment
then we were put into groups of 10 patients and 4 from the staff.
- Where are you going? - A meeting...
Can you skip work on 27 September? I'm leaving for Frankfurt.
No, I can't. I'd like to, but I can't.
Yes.
We used to be more at home before I became editor.
And I think that was good because the children were smaller.
But I have to admit we are not much home now.
I know I'm away from home a lot
and that's resulted in recent problems with the kids
and I have also given it little thought.
Not with Klaus... A little with Annie, but...
maybe I think she's at an age when she needs to talk more
with me than I've had time to. I feel guilty about this constantly.
No, I can't imagine the patient having the need to communicate my problems
I'm here with a knowledge to help the patient. That's my job.
So I make a diagnosis and proceed with the treatment required
I never really found out what we were, because when we asked
they would answer: "We have no diagnosis here. We don't use them"
But sometime they point out some kind of reaction in the group and
somebody makes a slip of the tongue: "That's typical neurotic behavior"
That is the closest we come to a diagnosis.
One time I read some papers that were for educational purposes
for the staff. But I didn't understand the words they used for us patients.
But if we asked, they asked us why we wanted to know.
Regarding poisoning, 90% are done with medicine
and half of these where from the sleeping medicine group
and one third was done with what we call nerve medicine.
It's strange they are so much away from home
I really wish they could stay more at home.
I have a feeling we aren't a real family
at the same time my parents are like strangers... just living here.
Yes we have.
Oh, that's a hard one to answer.
It's one of the bigger questions.
It's hard to say what I want. Easier to say what I don't want.
It's hard to say what we want, but we have thought it over
but It's much easier to tell what we don't want
then one can make a selection of the things one want
but that's a bigger question...
To become a regular Danish citizen living in an undetached house
with a habitual routine job, that's the last thing I want.
But me... and my thoughts and feelings ...they don't even have time for that
The most common, like sleeping pills are in every home today.
Yes we do. We find it necessary even if she is 17 years old
week days she has to be home by 22:30 because of school
we are discussing the weekends, and have come to 01:30 as a rule.
Generally no, but she has been allowed later on isolated instances,
a few times, when we know were she is going.
No she hasn't.
No.
First we don't want her to get pregnant at 17
even though abortion is free and easy
The second is drugs. There is a lot of drugs around, especially at night.
We do it for her own protection.
Klaus clear and clean his room every day
and move the lawn once a month. And takes out the garbage daily.
Anne has duties at home too. Makes breakfast and
vacuums the stairs a few times a month.
Kissinger made a intermediate landing in Copenhagen 1½ hour ago.
The Secretary of State greeted him and his wife Nancy.
It's in an area where people have moved from inner Copenhagen
so many families are used to low rent on housing
now they have moved to a very expensive area
and for many this means an enormous rent.
Many of the families think they can manage the expenses with
help from subsidy. But some don't even manage with subsidy
and have to quickly move to something less expensive.
At my school there is a lot of replacement going on
It causes anxiety at school when pupils are replaced all the time.
You have heard about the conflict now in progress in Cyprus.
You have learned that Turkey have invaded the island
and the consequences this has on the the power structure down there.
We live in a very complicated world
and a lot is happening. We simply can not make up our minds about it all...
...reflect about it.
But these things still happen. And they influence our lives.
Sometimes I find him forthcoming and nice
Other times I feel he is rejecting her.
How are you with the people you see daily. Parents, teachers, friends...?
I think there is a lot of competition between people.
The subject is clothes and behavior...
who is the coolest, the slimmest... ...all those things
- Don't you feel that way? - I can't say my true feelings
- You can't? - No, because it sounds wrong to them
- How come? - Because they will not express their
true feelings either.
- Why make it so hard? - I don't want to be rejected
by my friends at school, and risk being miserable all alone.
One can feel all alone even together with a group of people
Yes, because I can't say what I feel without making a fool of myself
Do the boys have to hide the same feelings as the girls?
Is there a difference?
Yes, as a matter of fact.
And I think the boys have to live up to not showing any feelings,
never to cry if they experience anything sentimental
Crying is for girls.
...and the men?
They behave roughly.
What's your job?
I'm a plumber.
- Someone mentioning it? - No...
I have put in for a job, nothing... Hopeless
- What are you doing up there? - HEY! What are you doing?
- Hey friend, You can't sit here.
Come down this way.
Yes, I think people are scared of the responsibility involved
because it can be hard to suddenly be held responsible
It's more attractive not having anybody to be held responsible for
It's easier not to have any obligations besides just being together.
Maybe the adults come to terms with...
...feel apathy for all that is happening,
but it must be hard for the young people.
Yes, it could be a young girl overdosing on sleeping pills
and found in an unconscious state at home.
Most likely she has been lying there for a long time.
Come on down from the window
Step down as soon as possible!
There isn't anything bad enough to justify that
Think about it!
Think about what you do!
- Yes, for 10 years. - Me, 20 years
People come in hope that we can give a meaning to their lives,
...a meaning to their existence.
But we can not say to people: "THIS. This is the meaning
to life". And expect them to go home and be happy.
Yes, we have been subjected to many suicides. Some doesn't look pretty.
Stop or I'll jump!
One of the grimmest cases was
a young girl who jumped a high building here in Copenhagen
her head rolled all the way to the other side of the street
her body was totally crushed, and blood was flowing.
The most important to us, when we receive this kind of patient,
is to ensure that the vital functions are working
checking if respiration and blood circulation is functioning
Talking to adults means a lot to me
and my parents are the ones I know best
I care for them
Naturally I will go and see them
If I have something serious to discuss.
Both... and. On one level we get something out of it
and have fun, but at the same time there is a lot of pressure
for example college. You have to work very hard to get in
it shouldn't be like that, but that's the way it is.
Gain whatever we want within the framework
but I wish the framework wasn't there
say, it's hard to stay focused for six subjects a day.
We are supposed stay focused on one subject for 40 minutes
and when the bell rings the interest in the subject is gone
and next is another 40 minutes with a whole different subject.
It's hard that way...
We have taken the consequences. We take some hours off and
do the school-work we feel like doing.
- Sounds good! - Very positive.
I didn't feel like moving them away from our house because
I didn't know what to do with either myself or them
or the whole thing...
...It's very hard to live alone with the kids.
It's very hard to make ends meet.
Yes, we do that too.
Sometimes we just jump the car and drive to the next street
just for some nice, quiet petting...
But most often we drive to the countryside
Since we both love nature, we find it sufficient just
listening to singing of birds
...and forget all our troubles.
For many it's hard to survive with the enormous expenses
Some of them have to work very hard
when they come home they are often very tired
and often there are not enough time to care for the children
It's hard to give you an answer...
This is the first time.
Regarding concrete urban functions, there are two poles
there are 15 institutions for children, one train station, 4 supermarkets
and 4 places to get a loan...
- Fear. - Yeah. Fear and pessimism.
We have to be a bit optimistic about the future
The big tasks ahead of us will be impossible to manage
without a minimum of optimism
- We can not overlook... - No, but we must try anyway.
Yes I do to a certain degree
but... how shall I put it?
I guess I have accepted the state of things
One have to live with it from day to day
Come down!
- Do you smoke? - Easy!
Do you want a cigarette?
A careful examination of lakes in Denmark
has come to the conclusion that one lake near Copenhagen
has undergone great changes the last 50 years.
Do you want some help?
Measurements of the Co2 and phosphorus levels show
it was added 50 times more phosphorus than it gave away. 8 times for co2.
That matter requires careful consideration
She is 17 now and... I will say no.
I don't think she should spend the night out at 17.
I won't let her.
It's egoistic, but I want four children
preferably my own. I want children!
Why four children? Isn't two enough for you?
- No... - Why not?
I hope for 1, 2, 3, 4 children... ...and four is the best.
Don't you have a sense of responsibility... four children is a lot...
- Is it responsible? - No!
- It's kind of a crime against mother-earth
but I don't think mother-earth will ever be very kind to me.
No.
Not in matters that go against their conviction.
Even school... I don't think they take me seriously
I'm convinced they think I will not manage school
but I am not under the impression that my parents take me seriously.
Think about your mum and dad
Move that camera! Move that camera!
Oh, he just want a few pictures
Give us a smile! You'll be on TV!
All the time... In both Radio and TV
dealing with different subjects... We have our share...
Based directly on recent interviews with many TV producers in Denmark and other western countries
Yes, there has been produced about four programs dealing
with job related problems, where people participated
with meanings and ideas.
Those were for radio.
No, they are not.
The guy that produced them is no longer here.
He made certain mistakes.
Because he didn't fulfill the requirements of objectivity.
In the end he was fired.
In fact most of them feel relieved when they wake up.
This means their intention for attempting suicide,
their cry for help, has been heard.
They are getting help.
One may think that many are angry they didn't make it
but most are very, very thankful for us helping them.
Yes, when they wake up at the hospital
and find someone helpful there who will listen to them
it may be the first time for a long time someone listened
to them. Then they tell us about their problems.
Talking to someone is a great relief for them.
- But think about it! - Do you want a cigarette?
As a young woman!
Yes.
I like it. It's the best place I have lived.
Can't stand city life... People are stressed out.
They have a few possibilities:
Two youth clubs and a basic sport club.
And a scout organization is opening up soon.
But the youths who want a more free life
have to create their own recreation possibilities.
They can either sit and watch the sun or the moon
or hang around the station drinking beer.
In reality that's their possibilities.
Yes, and I know a girl her age must face those questions.
I adore children!
That's fine but...
I think it's irresponsible to bring four children into this world
- You mean I should adopt four children?
- Not necessarily. But you could content yourself to two kids.
- I feel inside it's my need to have four kids!
I regard her as a big... uh... an elder child.
In ancient times
among the majority, workers and farmers,
one left home at fourteen
Then one was an adult with adult responsibilities
to live up to.
Nowadays youths live at home much longer,
one can afford it now,
and they are treated like children.
But they are expected to behave like nice, pretty young people
living happily, but doesn't have any responsibility.
Yes, the parents are naturally contacted when their child
is brought into the hospital. Thus they come visiting.
Naturally very upset over what has happened and can
not understand why their child has overdosed on pills
and attempted suicide.
Later, when I try explaining the reasons for them
they don't understand a word because they have done everything
for their child. Taken care of
and given it all it wanted, and so on.
Many children live at home longer nowadays
and they are physically more mature due to
the higher standard of living.
Has Marianne tried anything like this before?
Never!
Did it come as surprise to you?
Yes it did.
So did anyone see it coming lately?
We have had our quarrels.
No, not now. Do you want to come over here?
It doesn't matter... Flemming and mother are out.
Bring your own drinks.
...Nobody is here...
We are from the juvenile authorities.
Here we have to manage ourselves. We feel responsible
It's not like that in the city
If youths don't know what to do...
then they are in trouble... They are not allowed to
decide for themselves what to do. It's like slaughtering people!
I addressed a couple
because there were problems with their 12 year old boy
I didn't manage him any more.
Then the parents told me:
"You may well give the boy a good beating. We do it
all the time if he doesn't behave"
(URO = unrest; commotion;)
- She's got a boyfriend, Jens? - Yes...
Do you think he is right for her?
He is certainly not right for her.
She'll have someone who provides for her
someone who takes care of his job.
What does he do for a living?
A photographer or something...
They are afraid you ending up in a mess.
Meaning: Don't get pregnant!
They are so old fashioned.
I don't think anybody just gets pregnant at 16
It's about it being worse getting pregnant after 10 pm
than before 10 P.M.. Get pregnant in the morning!
Don't you think it being the right thing for her?
No...
But it looks like she is very satisfied with him.
Yes, we know.
But this physical maturity
combined with keeping the children socially immature,
to protect them or whatever,
but it doesn't quite correspond.
And this may increase the conflict
between the two generations.
Maybe also because the two generations more often now
lives together during the age from 14 to 18.
He did ask me, but last night he got kicked out from home
so he went to a pub and got drunk.
Then he was together with another girl.
Now my parents say: "That's what we've always said".
But have you and Jens talked about that episode?
No, but I heard he was together with another girl.
Do you accept it?
Yes. It was their fault he did it
They almost encouraged him to do it.
It would be so nice if we could all spend the evening together
Yes, nice mother, but I'm busy tonight.
Aren't you staying home either?
No, I have to attend a political meeting.
You are a lot away from the children.
We know, and we have discussed it
We have to mind our jobs, or we may loose them.
Anne, are you hungry... Please sit on the cushion!
Yes, of course...
Anne, how is school?
Not very good.
Tired of school?
Let me say something. I have thought this
question over. And Anne has to continue school.
Why do you come to that decision without talking
to me? It's about my life.
Yes right, but we've had that discussion
running for months.
You say you want the girl to finish school, but she don't
want to. And she don't do her homework. We must discuss this!
We have to come to an agreement with her. Then maybe she will
pull herself together and come to terms with the situation.
Do you want to learn something useful?
Half a year at home economics, and half a year at home
at least you'll learn how to cook.
- Klaus! I'm down here...
He's late again.
It's too late now. You are 15 minutes late.
I said 18:15 not 18:30!
I didn't like it much even if it was a free school
there was something I didn't like but I never found out what it was.
...something strange. And I didn't like it.
- Something wrong with the education at the school?
- No, not especially.
It's strange for us too, because there must be a big field
for research on why young people are attempting suicide.
Try to establish scientific why they do it.
I have expressed my meaning in this matter...
Why don't you ask me what I want to do?
You just give me orders!
There are not many places here.
There are some religious organizations
In ancient times, people told the priest their problems.
We don't do that now. Today we keep it to ourselves
then one day it all boils over and one takes too many pills.
There is no one to talk to. There are certain places
in Copenhagen one can call on. But out in the country there are
almost exclusively the priest, and not many people call on him today.
Yes, you can say that.
Yes it is. But we have offices in 5 cities
and we hope to open a new office.
155 priests and about 400 layman are connected to our services.
We receive gifts.
No. Many services receive state aid,
like kindergartens. But for our service there is no money.
Yes, definitive.
We talk to each other in a different way here
In the city people behave like small children. They show off,
and try to act superior. Because they all live like that.
Some people look like big bundles of muscles!
As long as you live here, you have to obey
the rules of the house.
You can't control her lust for reading!
She is a person, isn't she?
You can't rule her whole existence. You can give her good advice,
a great deal of useful advice.
But, you can not make her go by your book.
She is 17, isn't she?
Discuss and discuss... They didn't want to talk about it.
The doctors said simply: "I don't want
to discuss these social matters".
- How was work today? - As usual...
- Any school parties, Kathrine? - Yes, sometimes.
These meat balls are really something!
- Yes, the food is good. Anything on you mind?
Something you find interesting?
Meat balls and your income tax?
- Interesting...? Good food is important.
And the tax is important.
- Do you find tax-matters so important?
- Yes, paying the right amount is important.
Hate paying tax arrears!
- Are my meat balls important? - Sure, very important.
- That's all your interests? - No, it's not...
Anything important on your mind?
- Yes, I want to talk about our relationship.
We are not doing fine. It's unbearable!
- That is one big topic. And if you find it unbearable
we have to talk about it. But not with Kathrine present.
Granddad told great stories. Do you remember granddad?
- Yes... - He told about wild animals...
...interesting stories. The children where crazy about him.
The school loved him.
Not many teachers like him today.
I've gone to 11 different schools, didn't like any of them...
People have to read standing up. I don't like that.
She is in the school party committee. They have to clear up afterwards.
So I find it reasonable if she stays out a little late...
- You may find it reasonable,
but you change your mind everyday! Not easy knowing what you think.
And I think you work against me.
One day you say one thing, the next you allow her a lot
It's wrong!
- Okay... But you know where I stand
concerning this matter. When she has to be home
from parties. But this time she has duties
and I think she should be allowed to stay out later this time.
But if this nonsense comes up everytime I participate in the
discussion, I'll rather keep quiet. Instead of biting
your head off.
- I think it's wrong because none of my friends have curfew
Their parents trust them so they can stay out as long as they like.
- That is not a matter of trust. - Yes it is!
No, I trust you even if you can stay out till 22 or 24...
But you must trust me. I'll come straight home
after we've finished cleaning up.
- It's not a matter of trust, It's a principle.
When I say midnight, I mean midnight. Finished!
- Yes...
It's late... I'll go see if Klaus is sleeping.
Don't think so. Stay, I'll do it.
Hi... Why are you still up?
We were waiting for you.
But It's 23:30! And you have school tomorrow.
You promised to go to bed early.
We would like to talk to you.
Do you think 23:30 is the right time to "talk with me"?
When are we otherwise going to find the time?
Tonight we have been thinking and talking about our situation
- The two of you? - And mother.
What is most important: Being a good family that
talks with each other...
- I know we are away a lot... but what can we do?
...get a half time job.
Do something else, and stay at home more!?
I can not be a half time editor. Then I might as well quit.
Yes, I will
During patrol today 19:45, together with Paul Andersen,
we were sent to Jens Nielsensst.16 because someone there was ill.
Not at all.
It's got something to do with finding out about oneself
To know about oneself is fundamental and...
I don't know... ...Maybe...
...so we went straight to the daughters bedroom
where we found a young woman laying fully dressed
and with her right arm hanging outwards the edge of the bed.
Written and directed by Peter Watkins in collaboration with the actors, who express their own feelings and opinions
Yes, then is the first time you get some help.
But it is not right that many young people have to go all the way
before someone listen, before they get help to solve their problems,
either in, or outside the home.
THE SEVENTIES PEOPLE