MINISTER FOR WOMEN, CHILDREN & POVERTY ALLEVIATION HON. ROSY AKBAR'S MESSAGE FOR WORLD MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Today marks a day devoted to emphasizing the need for awareness surrounding mental health. I believe, mental health issues are important to discuss year-round, but highlighting them during a special day, like today, provides a dedicated time for mental health advocates to come together as one unified voice to call for attention on mental health issues.
 
This year’s World Mental Health Day, comes at a time when our daily lives have changed considerably as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This year’s theme as announced by the World Federation for Mental Health is, ‘Mental health in an Unequal World’ which aligns directly with the impact of COVID on us as individuals. Some groups of people have clearly been affected by the pandemic differently and more severely. The mental health of groups such as health and other frontline workers, students, people living alone, and those living with pre-existing mental health conditions have been particularly affected. Services to support mental health were also affected due to lockdowns. Some groups of people have had to adapt to the new normal ahead of the rest, such as health-care workers, providing care in difficult circumstances; students adapting to taking classes from home, with little contact with teachers and friends, and anxiety about the future; workers whose livelihoods were lost or threatened and they had to find alternative means of income. The inequitable impact of the pandemic has resulted in different groups being effected differently.  Today we have the opportunity to voice our support to those who are silently battling mental health issues while trying to be strong for their families and the nation.
 
Apart from mental health problems in an unequal world being a matter of concern on its own, a large number of Fijians still tend to make the world unequal for those battling mental health issues by stigmatising mental health as problem. According to the Ministry for Health and Medical Services, almost 75% persons with mental illness report that they have experienced stigmatisation and if we are to truly promote mental well-being, this stigmatisation and discrimination that stems from it must stop. Today we have the opportunity to pledge to ourselves that we will break the taboo around mental health. Today we have the opportunity to voice our support to those who are silently battling mental health issues. I urge all of us to join me in acknowledging the World Mental Day and in fighting against the social stigma associated with mental health.
 
In fact, there is still cause for optimism. During the World Health Assembly in May this year, Governments from around the world recognised the need to scale up quality mental health services at all levels.
 
In Fiji, services for mental health are available through the Ministry of Health and Medical Services and recognised NGOs. The Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation also runs national toll free lines for Children and Victims of Domestic Violence and supports NGO partners who provide a range of counseling and social service support.
 
I understand these are trying times but I urge everyone to take care of your mental health as stress and depression may harm your ability to recover.  We must understand that our mental health is as important as our physical health. According to the World Health Organization depression is one of the leading causes of disability and suicide is the second leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds. It is critical that everyone is aware of their mental health and wellness status and takes time to ensure balance.
 
They say “health is wealth” so this world Mental Health Day, promise to invest in yourself. Talk about your feelings, keep active, eat well, take a break if you feel too stressed and most importantly seek help if you feel too overwhelmed. I wish you well and encourage you to take care of your mental well-being as much as you do your overall health.

Vinaka