MENTAL health was the main focus when the Ministry of Public Health and the Faculty of Health Sciences hosted a health fair at the University of Guyana, Turkeyen campus on Wednesday.

World Mental Health Day was observed for the first time on October 10, 1992. It was started as an annual activity of the World Federation for Mental Health by then Deputy Secretary-General, Richard Hunter.

Speaking at the event, Volda Lawrence, Minister of Public Health, stated: “this year, World Mental Health Day is being celebrated amongst fear, conflicts and political and economic challenges in almost every corner of the world…”

She added that with such a scenario, mental health has assumed even greater importance to governments worldwide. Lawrence also stated that global statistics have been established that depression is the third leading cause of mental illness and suicide is the second leading cause of death among the 15-29 age groups.

She continued by saying that the World Health Organisation focused on adolescence for this year’s observance with the theme being “Young people and mental health in the changing world.”

“Our adolescents and young adults face challenges on a daily basis, which can be caused by factors such as unemployment , starting university, inadequate home and sufficient meals. Unfortunately, if these feelings are not recognised and managed they can eventually lead to mental illness,” said Minister Lawrence. She further stated that support programmes need to be intensified, so as to build mental health resilience and coping strategies for mental challenges.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Paloma Mohamed, said persons with mental and social disabilities represent a portion of the world population. She added that mental health is not only a heath or medical concern, it is also an issue of human rights, communities and social justice.

Also speaking at the event was Country Representative of the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO), Dr William Adu – krow.