ROADTOWN Tortola BVI,  May 1st, 2012   --  Fellow Virgin Islanders, it is indeed a pleasure to greet you as we begin our observance of Mental Health Month under the theme, Caring is Sharing: Strengthening Mental Wellness Through Family Support.

This theme highlights the need for us as a community, as family members, as neighbours, and as loved ones, to provide social support and protect the mental health and wellness of persons in this Territory.

How do you know when you have achieved mental wellness? When you can realize your own abilities; you can cope with the normal stresses of life; you can work productively and fruitfully, and you are able to make a contribution to your community.

As Minister for Health and Social Development, I urge all of us to strive to maintain good mental health and to ensure that our loved ones do the same. Reducing the prevalence of mental illness in our community is linked to identifying and recognising when something is wrong. With early diagnosis and proper treatment, we can help to ensure that our loved ones can recover and resume daily activities.

While it is said that "It takes a village to raise a child", I say to you that "It takes a community to ensure the success of an individual." Ladies and gentlemen, caring is sharing. As a family community let us seek to strengthen our mental well being to build a better Virgin Islands for all of us. Like our physical health, we must ensure that we maintain a positive state-of-mind so we can lead productive lives.

As we observe Mental Health Month, the Community Mental Health Centre, along with the Ministry of Health and Social Development, will be providing useful information through various media outlets on creative ways to improve, support and maintain our mental health.

I encourage you to take advantage of the information that is available as I firmly believe that the more information we have, the better prepared and equipped we are to take charge of our mental health and well being.

I will go further and say that social support is essential to a positive state of mind. Let us support the people around us, especially those who are mentally challenged, and help to make a difference in their lives.

I applaud the Community Mental Health Centre for leading the charge in reminding us of the importance of mental wellness. For reminding us, that as a people, we must continue to support each other and maintain our remarkable spirit of Virgin Islands unity.

On Saturday May 19, let us all participate in the “The Incredible Race” where teams will compete in a series of challenges - some mental and some physical. This exciting, action-oriented challenge is intended to promote healthy competition and supportive team work, while enjoying the natural splendors of the Virgin Islands. We invite the entire community to rally and cheer for their favorite teams.

This May, Caring is Sharing and as we take this time to observe Mental Health Month, by Strengthening Mental Wellness Through Family Support, we can all show just how much we care. I thank you.

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