Launch of Mental Health Awareness Week

Basseterre, St. Kitts, October 8, 2019 (ZIZ News): Global agencies are working together to shine the spotlight on mental health with the commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week 2019, from October 6-11, 2019, and with the observance of World Mental Health Day on Thursday, October 10.

In an address to launch the federation’s commemoration of Mental Health Awareness Week, Minister of State with responsibility for Health Hon Wendy C. Phipps, said that “shining the spotlight on mental health awareness is an exercise that should be undertaken quite often, given the equality of importance one should place on wellness of mind, body and spirit.”

She spoke of the importance of mental health and wellness, noting that they are the keys to everyone’s ability to experience a peaceful and balanced life.

Minister Phipps said the ministry of health notes that many persons suffering from mental disorders continue to experience stigma and discrimination and as such, there is still much to be done in terms of our people becoming more sensitive to the special needs of such patients.

The Heath Minister also noted that the membership of the St. Kitts Mental Health Association has planned a series of activities this week focusing on mental health issues.

Mental Health Awareness Week and World Mental Health Day are being guided by the theme: “Working Together To Prevent Suicide” with the tag line: “40 Seconds Of Action”.