– Mental Health Month launched in Region Six

THE month of October marks Mental Health Month, and Region Six Director of Health Services, Jevaughn Stephens has said that efforts will be made to eradicate the stigma attached to the country’s lone mental health institution, the National Psychiatric Hospital, located in Berbice.

Stephens made these comments at a rally hosted on Monday, to launch Mental Health Month at Fort Canje, Berbice. While mentioning this year’s theme: “Psychological and Mental Health; First Aid For All”, Stephens highlighted that four out of five persons suffer from mental health challenges, but due to the stigma attached to the facility – which, he said, is commonly referred to as the ‘mad house’- this prevents persons from accessing services that can help them overcome their challenges.

Stephens added that there is a need for all stakeholders to unify to ensure that there are stronger communities. “The fabric of the community is deteriorating. We need to revive those things which are necessary as we show support to persons who are valued,” he said.

He noted that eighty five percent of the inpatients are drawn from outside of Region Six and a significant number are neglected by their loved ones, who leave their relatives behind even after being treated and discharged. “After they are discharged, and having been neglected by family, they remain institutionalised and it would seem as though their condition remains as it was before they were admitted.

A strategy needs to be put in place, for persons to be reintegrated into the society. Patients must have an alternative after treatment. A half-way-home can be coerced to the government, so their rehabilitation into the society can be continued,” he said. Further plans are on stream to remove the National Psychiatric Hospital from its current location and efforts are being made to reduce the stigma of the institution.’

Medical Superintendent of the Mental Health Institution, Dr. Vineshri Khirodar, revealed that 222 persons experienced unnecessary death nationally over the past year, after they inflicted self-harm. “Mental health is under threat; it’s a psychological warfare. When we come to work we take each other for granted. We do not greet our brothers and sisters. We do not take time off to find out how they are really doing,” he said.

“…We are social beings, many of us do not have coping skills, many cry alone and then when they can’t deal with life anymore, that’s it. They have no one to turn to, and it is with this in mind that we are trying to restructure the operation of the institution with the intervention of the Ministry of Health,” Khirodar said.

Consequently, Chief Executive Officer of the New Amsterdam Hospital, Colin Bynoe noted that mental health community clinics must be established, to create linkages with the family and possibly help to reduce the stigma.

The rally was punctuated by cultural presentations and was attended by medical staff, as well as students form secondary and tertiary institutions in the Region. Amongst other activities planned for the month are visits to the Geriatric homes and visits to schools in the New Amsterdam and East Canje areas by health officials where discussions will be held. A luncheon and a day of sports is also scheduled for the patients of the New Amsterdam Psychiatric Hospital, along with a trip to Skeldon and Number 63 Beach.