DEAR devoted readers, I have been writing this column for over four years and it has surrounded mental health topics, to bring awareness of the commonality of mental health illnesses, reduce the substantial stigma involved and normalise the treatment process.

Unfortunately, I have been let down and disappointed by many over the past two weeks. I would hope and assume that many of you have followed the story pertaining to the National Psychiatric Hospital (NPH). The sad part is, I do not think many of you will know what institution I am referring to, unless I refer to it as “Berbice Mad House.”

There was a recent incident at NPH when a patient, having only been there for two days, was beaten to death by other patients. Another was seriously injured as fires had erupted. Instantly, this tells us that there are not enough staff employed there to manage all the patients and the possible side effects of their illnesses or medication.

The second, most dangerous and frankly revolting thing, is how this incident was reported by certain news outlets. One news source called the patients at NPH “inmates.” While the old original, English language definition would have allowed this, it is no longer politically correct to called psychiatric patients inmates. I’m sure we can all think of words that were casually used in the past that today bring forward much stigma, shame and self-hatred to the appropriate individuals.

Today I am going to talk about how common mental health issues are and how completely damaging it is to stigmatise one of the only public resources and facilities that our country has to offer.

First of all, one in four people suffer from mental health illnesses. I want to make this super clear to everyone – this means that if you are in a room with just four people, one of them is definitely suffering from a mental health illness. These can range from depression and anxiety to addiction or schizophrenia.

Mental health issues know no race, culture, age, gender, levels of education or socio -economic status. Absolutely any individual in this world is at risk of developing a mental-health disorder. These can develop from many avenues such as family history, trauma, physical illnesses, etc.

In Guyana, an average of 200 people take their own lives every year. While this may not sound like a lot to some of you, it is 16 individuals per month. Sixteen people per month would rather take their own life than seek help in Guyana. Are we all contributing to this? Absolutely. However, can we change this? Absolutely.

There are very few resources available to Guyanese suffering from mental-health illnesses. This refers to both qualified personnel as well as physical locations and institutions. There is only ONE long-term inpatient facility for mental-health issues in the entire country. That is right,the NPH and it has been so stigmatised and labelled that the majority of the population would rather suffer in silence or take their own life, than go there.

I want everyone to understand what happens when there is stigma and discrimination, especially pertaining to mental-health issues. The affected individuals do not seek help, because there is a lack of understanding and empathy from their immediate support circle: there is bullying, physical violence or harassment, and there is self-hatred and suicidal thoughts. Of course, this means that there is worsening of the individuals’ symptoms and reduced hope and attempt for any recovery.

How can we begin to reduce this stigma? The first and most important thing is knowledge. Do research before you make blanket and uninformed statements. Before you shun someone for having mental-health issues, consider the number of people who are experiencing them, it could even be the person you are speaking to. Learn about mental illnesses and their symptoms. Speak to someone who is affected and understand their point of view and experiences. There is no single person in this world who can accurately state that they do not know anyone who has a mental illness.

Secondly, stop labelling these individuals. We all know the words that are commonly used to describe individuals with mental-health disorders- I will not write them here but you know them; please stop this.

Thirdly, make the efforts to understand that if you uninformedly insult an institution, who is going to go? NHP, like any other facility, has major success stories from previous patients who have recovered there. I have referred and saw a progressive treatment process for many of my previous patients with mental health issues. Spend some time researching the institution, volunteer there – do anything you need to do to stop your own actions of stigma and discrimination.

To the individuals who are suffering from mental health illnesses, you can play a vital role too. First of all, whatever you hear about yourself or your illness, do not believe it. Sometimes, if we hear or experience something often enough, we start to believe it ourselves. Try not to let other people’s lack of knowledge influence the way you feel about yourself. Mental illness is not a sign of weakness and is rarely something you can deal with on your own.

Do not self-label. For example, you are not ‘psychotic’, you are a person experiencing psychosis; you are not an “addict”, you are a person battling addiction. There is power in language.
Secondly, stand up and share your stories. People judge, stigmatise or fear what they do not know or understand. Help them with genuine testimonials.

Having said that, if anyone would like to share their story with me – either privately or through a column to enhance understanding, please email caitlin.vieira@gmail.com. Also if you are interested in personal counselling sessions, please contact me at +592 623 0433.