Latest update November 2nd, 2024 1:00 AM
Latest News
- Exxon says oil production in Guyana increased by 60% since last year
- Guyana’s oil funds can fund modernization of electoral system-AFC
- Israeli attacks kill dozens in Gaza, Lebanon as ceasefire remains elusive
- Six-year-old child dies after swallowing thumbtack at Crane school
- Acting Chief Magistrate now assigned to preside over Elections Fraud case
New campaign targets youth, mental health stigmatization
With a focus on youth and reducing the stigma associated with mental illness, the Miss World Guyana Organisation has teamed up with the Ministry of Health and other concerned agencies to promote the One Act Foundation’s “THRIVE” Mental Health Awareness campaign.
Speaking at the campaign launch on Friday, Miss World Guyana 2016, Nurriyih Gerrard said that the One Act foundation is seeking to engage youths and educate them on how to recognize the signs of mental disorders and illnesses in family members and friends, and empower them to thrive.
According to Gerrard, the project will emphasize the connection between mental illness and suicide as well as other precursors.
“The One Act Foundation will develop a mobile app to address many issues inclusive of awareness, tests and stigma. “The mission is to use mobile technology to provide youths throughout Guyana with access to consistent, reliable and easy-to-use information to help promote basic understanding of mental health, as well as mental disorders and illness awareness,” stated Gerrard.
The campaign is an estimated multi-million project that will serve as an integral resource for our country’s youths and diaspora.”
Miss World Guyana 2016, Nurriyih Gerrard
Meanwhile the “THRIVE” campaign specifically aims to influence the lives of youth and adolescents in positive ways. Gerrard believes that stigma is preventable and those who are affected must come to know that they can THRIVE and contribute positively to society, given the right resources, knowledge, and the help they need to combat stigma of any kind.
“When Guyana’s youth THRIVE, our leaders and future generations alike will THRIVE.”
The objective of the campaign is to alleviate the stigma surrounding mental health with a focus on a thriving environment for all and will contribute significantly to the work already being done throughout Guyana.
According to Guyana’s 2015 mental health plan, persons with mental disorders are among the most neglected, vulnerable and marginalized groups of people.
“These vulnerabilities exist for two reasons. First, mental disorders can affect the way people think and behave, and their capacity to protect their own interests and sometimes their decision-making abilities.
“Second, persons with mental disorders face stigma and discrimination in most societies. This affects their access to care and their social integration. They often face discriminatory and stigmatizing attitudes in health services, which may dissuade them from seeking care. They may also be rejected by friends, relatives, neighbours and colleagues, leading to aggravated feelings of loneliness and depression.”
“The United Nations (U.N) 2005 report outlined those small budgetary allocations that most countries accord to mental health is also a significant barrier to persons with mental disorders enjoying their full right to health.
“People with mental disorders experience some of the harshest living conditions in many societies, and can face poverty, at least in part because of discrimination and the absence of legal protections against improper and abusive treatment. They are often denied opportunities to be educated, to work or to enjoy the benefits of public services or other facilities.”
According to the report, lots of myths, negative stereotypes and inaccurate information about mental disabilities still exist and often fuel the stigma and discriminatory behaviours.
“There is the common misconception that people with mental disorders are often violent. However, the actual risk of violence or harm associated with mental disorders is relatively small. Mental disorders cover a broad range and do not just include more visible cases such as psychotic disorders.” In Guyana, prevalent mental health issues include depression, high anxiety, schizophrenia and drug induced psychosis.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The tirade against the independent media continues unabated
…Peeping Tom Kaieteur News- In every democracy worth its salt, the press serves as the watchdog, the thorn in the side... more
Rising Gun Crimes in the Caribbean: Urgent Action required by all
By Sir Ronald Sanders Kaieteur News – There is an alarming surge in gun-related violence, particularly among younger... more
Weekend Cartoon
