Message from secretary of state for health Marie Pierre Lloyd on World Mental Health Day ‒ October 10 |10 October 2020

‘Investment in mental health can no longer be ignored’

“Today, amidst a time when the world is being challenged by the Covid-19 pandemic and its consequences, we are celebrating the world mental health day.

“The theme for this year is ‘Mental Health for All - Greater Investment – Greater Access’. The call for an urgent redress and investment in mental health can no longer be ignored. The Covid-19 pandemic has brought many changes to how one lives his /her life. It has brought with it, uncertainty – how long the pandemic will last, what the future will bring – altered daily routines, financial pressures, social isolation, and worries about getting sick.

“Information overload, rumours and misinformation can also make one feel out of control and make what one should do unclear. During this time, many have experienced stress, anxiety, fear, sadness, and loneliness and for individual with mental health disorders, these emotions worsen their illness.

“Worldwide the underinvestment in mental health has left large treatment gaps. About 450 million people live with mental disorders that are among the leading causes of ill health and disability (WHO’s World Health Report, 2001).

“The gap in treatment remains large, with 50% of people with mental disorders in high-income countries and 85% of persons in low-and middle-income countries having no access to treatment (WHO, 2012). Even though hundreds of millions of people around the globe suffer from mental disorders and there is an increase in awareness, investment in mental health has always lagged.

“As a nation today, we have been provided with the opportunity to look back to how far we have come and to look forward to the work ahead. We have accomplished a lot over the years. We not only have access to the most prescribed psychotropic drugs but also better access to the newer generation ones. Two of our young Seychellois doctors will soon embark on training in psychiatry. Last year the country welcomed a psychologist with specialisation in child development psychology and next month an additional psychologist will join the service.

“Special attention is being devoted to the development of child, adolescent and old age psychiatry. All groups in our society should receive modern standards of mental health care and rehabilitation irrespective of age, location of home or category of mental health illnesses.

“We look forward to the implementation of the Mental Health Bill which will replace the existing Act. The Bill brings our legislation into conformity with the European Convention on Human Rights and will provide a modern framework for the care and treatment of persons with mental disorders who refuse or who are incapable of seeking treatment.

“However, for all the progress made – many people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders in Seychelles do not receive the care they need. Therefore, we still have work to do, especially in the field of prevention and rehabilitation.

“There is a need to invest in the mental health workforce, to train and recruit more mental health professionals who can serve our people. We need infrastructures, and of course partnership, national and international.

“Reducing barriers in the health care system alone is not enough. We cannot just change laws and policies. We also need to change hearts and minds. While we have come a long way in modernising our mental health and substance abuse services, we often fail to recognise the signs – and when we do, our first reaction is often not to reach out, but to turn away. We often fail to recognise mental illness and substance abuse disorders as health conditions. We often see them as social problems – homelessness, juvenile justice issues, or social welfare concerns. Too often, we fail to offer the necessary and appropriate support. All the health reforms in the world will do no good if we do not change our heart.

“Today let us acknowledge all of you – from service providers to advocates for your devotion and hard work. Every day, many of our Seychellois look to you for support and a sense of hope. Therefore, I want to start by thanking you for all that you do.

“Today is not simply a one-day event, but rather it is also an opportunity to hold the attention of governments, donors, policy-makers and all stakeholders , including communities and families to ensure action for greater investment in mental health.

“It is not only the political commitment of our government and the professional dedication of service providers but also the change of heart and minds of each and every one of us that will ensure that we succeed in improving mental health and wellbeing in Seychelles.

“Let us all stand together and make sure that we meet these objectives of moving the mental health investment agenda for increased focus and access to mental health and thereby making mental health a reality for all – everyone, everywhere.”

Press release from the department of health