Fair highlights services, breaks stigma

WITH the aim of fostering continuous public awareness and formally concluding World Mental Health Month, the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with their Mental Health Unit, held a “Mental Health and Wellness Fair” on Tuesday along Main Street, Georgetown.

In an interview with the Guyana Chronicle, Dr. Mark Constantine, the head of the Ministry of Health’s psychology department of training and education (Mental Health Unit) and well-known psychologist in Guyana, elucidated that while October is officially acknowledged as Mental Health Month, the Ministry believed it fitting to culminate the month with a commemorative celebration.

The head of the Mental Health Unit said, “Mental health is of paramount importance to all of us, and we just cannot overemphasise it, and this wellness fair that we have on Main Street today (Tuesday), I believe, is a very timely and appropriate one, considering that the month of October is designated as World Mental Health Month, particularly because World Mental Health Day, which was celebrated on October 10. At the Mental Health Unit, we were cognisant that there were a lot of activities that were being rolled out during the month, so we saw it fitting to close off the month with the service-oriented health fair.”

Furthermore, the psychologist emphasised that the fair on Main Street has a primary goal of promoting and raising public awareness about the services offered by the ministry, government, and non-governmental agencies present at the event. Based on his assertion, specific services encompass psychology, psychiatry, elderly health, HIV/AIDS testing, domestic violence support, migrant support, family planning services, and a multitude of other offerings.

In relation to the public’s perception of mental health and the attached stigma, Dr. Constantine expressed satisfaction with the increased openness and vocalisation of individuals regarding their struggles, in comparison to previous years.

“More and more, we find that people are calling, and they are coming into our office for the services. This is largely due to the fact that there is a lot of public awareness by the government of Guyana and by our citizens themselves. People are becoming more aware of the importance of their mental health through our services,” he explained.
While he applauded those who are seeking help through the different outlets that are provided, Dr. Constantine said that there are others who are still not familiar with the facilities that they can go to, or some are “ashamed” of admitting that they are suffering/struggling with it.

He said, “yes, we are happy that a lot of people are aware and are seeking help with their mental health issues; however, we still have a lot of work to do with some people who have a negative view or the perception that mental health is not real, or that it is only for the weak, or whatever their reason may be.”
In regard to teenagers, young adults, and school children, particularly those in secondary school, Dr. Constantine urges them to assume the role of their brothers or sisters’ keeper. They should voice their concerns or seek assistance from someone in authority, and provide support to their peers, friends, and acquaintances if they notice them enduring hardship or facing challenging circumstances.

According to him, “whatever your challenge might be, do not try to deal with it yourself; sometimes we may make matters worse by doing so. Reach out to someone professional, someone responsible, someone who you believe will be able to do something or handle your situation in the right manner, or you can always make contact with us at the Mental Health Unit. Even if it’s not you, but someone you know is facing a challenge of some sort, direct them to us, let us help them, and better yet, accompany them so that they can know that they are not in this alone.”

Furthermore, he stated that the services rendered are not restricted solely to residents of Region Four, but are accessible to all Guyanese. As mentioned by him, the Ministry of Health has engaged in a partnership with the Georgetown Public Hospital (GPHC) and other regional hospitals, and “we are actively pursuing the expansion of our services to all regions throughout Guyana.”
In addition to the supplementary services provided for individuals residing outside the coastal region, Dr. Constantine also disclosed their efforts in establishing a mental health hotline.
Ultimately, he conveyed to the Guyana Chronicle that the Ministry of Health and the Mental Health Unit have been engaging in regular collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) to ensure early awareness of mental health and its challenges among young people.

“Tomorrow (November 1), we will be hosting a workshop for the MOE with the student councillors and the welfare officers to continue to build their capacity and to help them enhance their sense of skills that they need to continue to do the work that they are doing,” said Dr. Constantine.

The mental health unit is on Quamina Street between Camp and Thomas Street (behind the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs) and can be contacted on telephone number (592) 225-0804 or on their website at www.mentalhealth.gov.gy.