ROADTOWN Tortola BVI, October 10th, 2011 -- Ladies and Gentlemen, it is indeed a pleasure to greet you today, Monday October 10 as we join the United Nations and the global community in observing World Mental Health Day. This event promotes awareness on mental health issues throughout the world, open discussions on illnesses, and the investments made in treatment and prevention services.

This year, under the theme “The Great Push: Investing in Mental Health” World Mental Health Day is being observed in more than 100 countries through local, regional and national commemorative events and programmes.

Awareness activities include public service announcements; educational lectures and the distribution of research papers on mental health issues; also the recognition of individuals or organisations which have made significant contributions in improving mental health issues.

A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking, perception and behavior. If these disturbances significantly impair a person’s ability to cope with life’s ordinary demands and routines, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment with a mental health professional. With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and resume normal daily activities.

Mental disorders affect nearly 12 percent of the world’s population – about 450 million people, or one out of every four persons around the world – will experience a mental illness that would benefit from diagnosis and treatment. Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of background or age, and those who experience mental ill-health face prejudice, discrimination and exclusion.

Many mental illnesses such as clinical depression, are believed to have biological causes, and are linked to chronic diseases such as cancers, diabetes and heart disease. However, some mental disorders may be caused by a person’s environment and life experiences.

Although medical science has made significant strides in helping us to understand, treat, cure, and even eliminate the causes of many diseases, many of the brain’s functions still remain a mystery – even amidst significant progress that has been achieved in the areas of science and technology.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics for 2002 showed that 154 million people globally suffered from depression, which is a form of mental illness. According to WHO, mental health is defined as a state of well-being in which people realize their own potential, can cope with normal life stresses, can work productively, and can contribute to their community.

In many countries, particularly low and middle income countries, mental health services lack human and financial resources. More funding is needed to promote mental health education and awareness, and to further sensitise communities on the issue.

Here in the Virgin Islands, many persons access the treatment services provided by our Community Mental Health Services. There continues to be an increasing number of couples being referred for treatment; children and young people with learning disabilities and developmental disorders; youths learning how to cope with the realities of life, with bullying and childhood interpersonal difficulties; persons suffering from depression and anxiety, and those abusing alcohol and other substances.

While these trends may appear alarming, on the positive side, they do indicate that individuals are more willing to seek the necessary help, whether from public or private mental health services.

We must continue to break down the barriers that persist in excluding those with mental or psychosocial disabilities. There is no place, no place in the Virgin Islands, and I daresay in the world, for discrimination against those with mental illness.

To the families and caregivers of persons with any form of mental illness or disability, and to those who provide the necessary support network, I applaud and commend you for your dedication. The quality of care of persons who suffer from mental illnesses is crucial to their treatment and requires much patience, compassion and commitment.

I especially wish to salute and thank all the health care professionals who have devoted their lives to the treatment and care of those who suffer from mental illness or disability, and who work daily in this valuable and very important health care service.

Mental health is everyone’s business and we can all take action to improve our own mental health, and reduce the chances of experiencing mental ill-health.

As we take this time to observe World Mental Health Day, I assure all of you of the commitment of the Ministry of Health and Social Development, and of the Government to bring even more focus and attention to issues of mental health.

I thank you.

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