Local medical professionals are urging the Cayman community to prioritise their mental health as people around the globe mark World Mental Health Day on Tuesday.
In a statement recognising the day, Dr. Omotayo Bernard, head of the Behavioural Health Department at the Health Services Authority, said, “People, especially our youth, should not be afraid to access mental health care. We may not all be affected at the same level, but we have all needed to, at some point, assess and take care of our mental health.
“Therefore, we should support and encourage each other to be open and access care.”
With more than 12,600 people seeking mental health services in the Cayman Islands in 2022, according to statistics from the Mental Health Commission, Bernard is encouraging residents to pay attention to their mental health and to support others who may be dealing with these issues.
Mental health can affect all aspects of life
Bernard says it is important to understand that a person’s mental health can have a significant impact on their physical health and their ability to socialise, function, and contribute to their communities.
“Therefore, it’s crucial to address mental health issues as soon as possible. Our world is constantly changing, and we need to proactively address the challenges that affect our daily lives.
“Ignoring these issues won’t help, so if you notice that your mental health is affecting your work, relationships with family and colleagues, seek help. I urge the community to support each other, talk about mental health and access care if needed,” she said.
Last year the largest group accessing mental health services were people aged 25-44, followed by ages up to 18.
Adolescents with mental health issues can access services through Alex’s Place located on the main campus of the Cayman Islands Hospital.
Opened in January, Alex’s Place, established under a partnership with the Alex Panton Foundation and the Ministry of Health and Wellness, provides mental health care to people from ages 10 to 20.
Health and Wellness Minister Sabrina Turner, in her message on World Mental Health Day, reminded that “mental health is just as important as physical health”.
This year’s theme is ‘Mental Health is a Universal Human Right’ which, Turner said, “explicitly designates mental health as a universal human right, one with opportunities that are accessible to and that benefit all people”.
The theme focuses not only on the right of access to good quality services, but also protection from mental health risks, as well as the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community, she added.
She said government remains committed to taking the long-term mental health facility, now named the Poinciana Rehabilitation Centre, to the finish line.
Panel discussion planned
World Mental Health Day is meant to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health.
In recognition of the occasion, the HSA Behavioural Health Department will be hosting a public panel on Cayman Islands human rights legislation and its implication for people facing mental health challenges.
The event will be held in the Hibiscus conference room, at the Cayman Islands Hospital, on Wednesday, 11 Oct., from 1:30pm-3:30pm.
Panelists will include Dr. Marc Lockhart, HSA psychiatrist; Garcia Kelly, HSA legal counsel; Fiona McDougall, chair of the Cayman Islands Mental Health Commission, and a representative of the Human Rights Commission.
The event, which is open to the public, requires no registration and will offer continuing medical education credits.
Individuals can book an appointment to discuss any mental health issues by calling 949-8600 or by visiting the Behavioural Health Department at the Smith Road Medical Centre, Monday to Friday, from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
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