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Let us all work together and assiduously to ensure that all our people live in safe environments where wholeness and wellness can be achieved

Oct 11, 2024 Letters

Dear Editor

Yesterday October 10, 2024, was World Mental Health Day. The day was observed under the profound theme “Mental Health at Work”. The theme is pertinent as there is a crucial and critical link between mental health and work environs. Poor working conditions, unsafe and unsupportive work environments, pressure from deadlines, isolation from the family, increase in stigma and discrimination, heavy workloads and inflexible shifts, unsafe equipment, poor light and limited resources- all lead to poor productivity and poor mental health.

Today is an opportune time for all policy makers, civil society, influencers, and the community to know the facts about mental health. Additionally, these advocates in the neighbourhoods should promote awareness of mental illness and be able to show how it impacts optimal health.

According to the World Health Organization, (WHO), Mental Health is not just the absence of mental illnesses, but “it is a state of well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realize their abilities, learn well, and contribute to their community”. Mental health must therefore be fully integrated in the primary care setting and be given the focus needed to achieve positive health outcomes.

The clarion call goes out for the government to guard against practices and unrealistic schedules that can mitigate good mental health. Yes, the government should address mental health at work and minimize the risks that exist. High levels of stress that result in burnout should be given immediate attention.

It is hopeful that next year, as the three strategy, namely – a) being able to prevent risks to mental health at work, b) promoting well-being and protecting mental health at work, and c) supporting personnel with mental health conditions- which are aligned with the WHO/International Labour Organization (ILO) policy – are examined, Guyana will be close to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #3- good health and wellbeing for the citizens. There is no health without mental health. Everyone with a mental health condition deserves a chance to live healthy and enjoy productive lives.

The APNU/ AFC Coalition calls on the government to provide family support and safe spaces for the populace and especially people with mental illnesses. Let there be the ratcheting up of relevant training in mental health literacy supported by robust interventions to cater for persons suffering from alcohol and substance abuse. All persons who are affected by mental illnesses are encouraged to engage in physical activity and other types of activities that would not exacerbate stress levels, and to seek out social support. Let us all work together and assiduously to ensure that all our people live in safe environments where wholeness and wellness can be achieved.

Sincerely
Dr. Karen Cummings, MP
Shadow Minister of Health for APNU/AFC.

 

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