Let’s talk Mental Health!

December 31st, 2018 -- As we end the year 2018, the St. Kitts Mental Health Association (SKMHA) joyfully reflects on the activities held throughout the year in effort to bring awareness to mental health in the Federation. The year began with a collaboration between the SKMHA, JUSTe ARTS and the Basseterre High School’s Theater Arts students to create a short film highlighting how young people deal with stress and depression as well as the resources available to them. This film, entitled “Speak Your Mind” was written and directed by Elishah St. Juste.   

In March, the SKMHA accepted an invitation from the Alzheimer’s Association to facilitate a seminar on depression, stress & suicide.  Emphasis was placed on the importance of the community and checking in on friends and family members, especially if they become distant and display signs of depression.  In April, Autism Awareness Month, the SKMHA hosted a seminar for members facilitated by educator Charmaine Blanchette to explore autism, its signs, resources for diagnosis, care and treatment as well as services for children, young people and adults who qualify as being on the spectrum of autism disorders and neuroatypicality. June was dedicated to highlighting the link between finance management and mental health.

Julie Charles, Marketing Manager at the St. Kitts Cooperative Credit Union, facilitated a workshop for the SKMHA with invitees from the Mother’s Union and National Men’s Council. Reinforcing the important link between mental health and physical health, the SKMHA launched a monthly health walk in September, with the first starting from the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank roundabout to the Timothy Hill roundabout.  Members of all ages along with staff members from Kajola Kristada, one of our corporate members,  joined together to make the trek!

In October, to celebrate World Mental Health Day (October 10th) under the theme ‘Young people and mental health in the changing world”, the SKMHA hosted its annual week of activities. Of important note was the screening and discussion held for students of the high schools around the island for the film ‘Speak Your Mind”. A panel comprising of the actors in the film were also able to share the impact that making the film had on them and their views on mental health.

Another highlight of the week was the annual patient’s treat, where 40 patients of the clinics throughout the island were treated to lunch and an afternoon of games and camaraderie at the Dr. Arthur Lake Treatment Centre.  The St. Kitts Mental Health Association aims to address the mental health needs of all persons across the lifespan through programmes that educate the public, provide resources, advance public policy to improve care and outcomes, and monitor the quality of services received by individuals living with mental illness and substance use disorders.  We would like to thank the public for their support and wish one and all a joy-filled 2019!