Latest update November 29th, 2024 1:00 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

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.

 

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | November, 20th, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

 

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up Women’s Cup

Guyana Beverages Inc. partners with GFF for Maid Marian Wheat Up...

Nov 29, 2024

  (GFF) — Guyana Beverages Inc (GBI) in an effort to contribute to the development of women’s football has partnered with the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) as a sponsor of the Maid Marian...
Read More
GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

GFF provides support to EBFA U14 Boys’ League

Nov 29, 2024

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports Awards

Athletics scores big at NSC National Sports

Nov 29, 2024

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ National Finals

St. Theresa’s Primary triumph in Republic Bank...

Nov 29, 2024

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20 softball affair on Saturday night

Wakenaam Masters to face Parika Defenders in T20...

Nov 29, 2024

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal tourney

Bakewell supports Kashif and Shanghai Futsal...

Nov 28, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]