Spotlight on mental health |10 October 2023

● Family department brings more awareness

By Mandy Bertin

Young and old alike will be able to learn more about mental health through a series of activities planned throughout this week.

They are part of the Mental Health Awareness Week being held under the theme ‘Mental Health is a universal human right’.

World Mental Health Day is celebrated on October 10 and this year the quality of life division within the family department is hosting the activities in collaboration with its partners.

The division, headed by its director general, Beryl Naiken, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, organised a roadshow yesterday morning at the post office to sensitise members of the public on mental health.

Speaking to the media, Mrs Naiken said in line with this year’s theme, the division felt the need to voice out the importance of knowing about mental health, where help can be sought and to show people going through these difficulties that they are not alone.

“People tend to think or feel that when they seek help or any kind of support when dealing with emotional or psychological issues, others will look down on them. But we want to let them know we are here to help them on this part of their journey and healing,” she added.

“We feel that we need to promote the importance of mental health as it is as equally vital as taking care of your skin or physical appearance.”

Mental health problems vary from socially-related ones, a past traumatic event or present one and according to Mrs Naiken, it is best to seek professional help.

“From there we can evaluate to see what is the source of the problem and how best to help as our aim is to equip these individuals with coping skills which can be useful for the rest of their lives.”

Members of the public can contact the division for more information and seek professional help through its helpline number 2722293. The division also offers online counselling.

“We also organise sessions for different focus groups for those going through similar issues such as mothers who have lost their babies as well as women going through menopause stage. These groups help these individuals in the process of healing.”

Other activities this week will include a forum on mental health awareness targeting a group of young people and the ‘How are you?’ outreach campaign in the south-west region of Mahé, which will involve going through the communities, especially to the elderly citizens to see how they are. There will also be a workshop with staff members of the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Family on Thursday.

Daniel Mahoune, a social worker from the Mental Health Services at the Ministry of Health said there are a number of mental health disorders in Seychelles such as schizophrenia, bipolarity and paranoia.

Schizophrenia is on the rise here in Seychelles as many people are addicted to substances such as illegal drugs as well as alcohol. As a result they find themselves hearing voices or seeing things that are not really there or happening.

We give support to not only the patients but to their family as well, he added.

The accompanying photos show some scenes from the roadshow yesterday.

Photos by Mandy Bertin