St. Kitts – ‘Mental Health Matters’ says Health Minister

By Caribbean Medical News Staff
Minister of State/Health, the Hon. Wendy C. Phipps, said: “Mental Health Awareness Week provides an opportunity to show the world that we acknowledge that mental health matters are real, that we care, and that such concerns must be addressed in a holistic manner that brings cure and treatment for those persons so affected.” She was delivering the opening speech to launch the week of activities.
She added that the World Health Organization (WHO) “contends that the global response to mental disorders needs to be ratcheted up and that this can be achieved through progressive and informed government policy and legislation; meaningful support from civil society; and the move towards community–based healthcare that integrates mental health care into primary health care.”
The Minister informed that the Federation has already put these initiatives in place and has a strong history of treating mental health conditions. People are treated at community health centres while the psychiatric wing of the main hospital is reserved for more serious cases.
Phipps said that apart from these initiatives, the government also takes mental health care and treatment quite seriously. The Administration’s latest investment in caring for the mentally ill is the Mental Health Day Treatment Centre that is now under construction.
“It is expected that this centre will approach treatment of affected clients from the standpoint of drug intervention, personal care and hygiene, occupational therapy and skill development, among other matters,” she said.
The minister also highlighted that the St. Kitts Mental Health Association (SKMHA) is aware of the challenges that are faced by both, people living with mental illness, and their primary care-givers who are mainly family members and close friends. In keeping with the theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day, which is “Dignity in Mental Health”, the SKMHA is mostly worried about the threats to people living with mental disorders.
The Health Minister entreated all the citizens of the country to become familiar with the Mental Health Act of 2002, so that they would have a better understanding about mental health issues.