GUYANA, a nation known for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, has made significant strides in its approach to mental health over the years. This evolution is a testament to the commitment of its government, healthcare professionals, and civil society in promoting the well-being of its citizens.
Not too long ago, mental health in Guyana, like in many parts of the world, was shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. Those who struggled with mental health issues often did so in silence, facing isolation and discrimination.
The infrastructure and resources to support individuals with mental health conditions were limited, and the focus was primarily on managing crises rather than on holistic care.
However, the winds of change have swept through Guyana’s mental health landscape. Today, the country is making tremendous progress in providing comprehensive mental health services, support, and awareness.
One of the notable advancements is the “Let’s Talk Green Bench” initiative, launched by the Adolescent Health Unit of the Ministry of Health.
This programme, initiated in observance of World Mental Health Day, is geared towards promoting mental health and well-being among the younger population.
By providing a safe space for students to discuss their issues without fear of stigma, this initiative encourages open dialogue about mental health, empowering the youth to seek help when needed.
In the spirit of World Mental Health Day 2023 observed on Tuesday, it is imperative that we turn our collective attention to an often-overlooked aspect of the mental health landscape – the emotional wellbeing of boys.
The emotional wellbeing is a child’s right and there are things we can all do to support it. This calls for a reevaluation of how society approaches nurturing the emotional health of our boys, especially in a world where traditional gender norms tend to prescribe how they should express themselves.
Emotional wellbeing is, in essence, a child’s ability to experience, express, and manage their emotions. It’s essential to clarify that emotional wellbeing does not equate to a perpetual state of happiness. Instead, it means that all children possess the necessary tools to navigate the myriad of emotions they encounter throughout their lives.
While the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child does not explicitly mention emotional wellbeing, it is inherently linked to various articles within the convention. These articles encompass rights related to a child’s survival and development, respect for their views, freedom of expression, privacy, protection from violence and neglect, health, education, play, and recovery from trauma. Thus, emotional wellbeing and mental health are integral components of a child’s overall health, solidifying emotional wellbeing as a child’s right, particularly concerning their right to health and healthcare services.
One may wonder why emotional wellbeing is of particular importance for boys. The answer is straightforward: children who are emotionally healthy, regardless of their gender, are more likely to develop resilient, healthy minds, thereby paving the way for brighter futures. In a world where the emotional wellbeing of boys is often neglected, with societal pressures dictating that they suppress their emotions, emphasising their emotional health becomes all the more crucial.
The first step towards supporting the emotional wellbeing of boys is for adults to acknowledge their pivotal role in this process. Just as we prioritise a child’s physical health, nurturing their emotional health is equally vital. Every adult in a boy’s life, be it parents, family members, teachers, or community members, plays a significant part in fostering emotional wellbeing. Collaboration and communication are the keys to success in this endeavor.
Numerous tools and strategies are at the disposal of adults to help boys enhance their emotional wellbeing, including open dialogues, active listening, and encouragement of healthy emotional expression. We must endeavor to create homes, schools, and communities where boys receive love, care, protection, security, and respect, thereby providing them with the nurturing environment they need to thrive emotionally.
Societal norms, traditions, and expectations often exert immense pressure on a boy’s emotional wellbeing. Thus, it falls upon adults everywhere to champion emotional wellbeing and provide the necessary care for boys to ensure they have the opportunity to flourish emotionally.
As Guyanese, we can participate in local initiatives by reaching out to organisations to discover ways to support the emotional wellbeing of boys or by advocating for improved mental health services in schools and communities throughout the nation.
Let’s engage in a vital conversation about the emotional wellbeing of boys. By recognising that emotional wellbeing is a fundamental right and taking proactive steps to support it, we can create a society where boys are empowered to express their emotions freely and, ultimately, lead happier, healthier lives.
