Support needed for those in crisis

Mental health workers and members of the public celebrate World Mental Health Day 2015

(CNS): The need for early intervention when people encounter crisis events will be highlighted during the upcoming Mental Health Week. The Health Services Authority (HSA) and the Psychiatry and Behavioural Services Department (PBSD) will mark the week, which starts 8 October, with a series of events, but the goal is to encourage timely mental health support when crisis events occur in people’s lives. “We hope to raise awareness of the importance of early interventions in potentially devastating psychological and psychiatric problems,” said Head of Mental Health, Dr Arlene McGill.

This year’s theme for World Mental Health Day, which falls on 10 October, is ‘Dignity in Mental Health – Psychological and Mental Health First Aid for All’.

Through a series of events throughout the week, the HSA and PBSD will explore specifically the impact of traumatic events on people’s mental health, as well as the steps people can take to support themselves and others.

Officials said that crisis events are not limited to the events seen on the news. Every day, people experience many personal crises, which may include losing a loved one, going through a stressful situation at work or experiencing a serious physical illness. There are also people who experience abuse and/or violence, all of which increases stress and the likelihood of developing mental health problems.

“We need to be conscious of the need to provide the right support when people experience the stress of traumatic events, both in the global context and on an individual level,” said Occupational Therapist Kenneth Figueira. “The principle of first aid is that all or any of us may need to step in to help when someone needs it, and to help them to see if they need professional help. All of us may need to build our confidence to do this with the people we are close to, our family, friends and colleagues.”

Dr McGill said it was critical that the community recognises the power it has to make a difference with proactive involvement in the care of vulnerable and stressed individuals.

“As trauma due to loss of parents and family members, drug abuse, child abuse and domestic abuse continues, it becomes important that community members deliberately learn methods of helping before mental crises occur,” she added.

This year’s schedule of activities for Mental Health Week includes:

• Saturday, 8 October – Motorcade; starting at George Town Hospital
• Sunday, 9 October – Church Service; East End New Testament Church, 11:00am
• Monday, 10 October – Panel Discussion, “Talk Today” Radio Cayman, 12:15-1:00pm
• Tuesday, 11 October – Presentations at the Private High Schools
• Wednesday, 12 October – Mental Health Symposium “Psychological & Mental Health First Aid”; Hibiscus Room, George Town Hospital (CE opportunity), 3:00-7:00pm
• Thursday, 13 October — Movie Night; Hibiscus Room, George Town Hospital, 5:00-8:00pm.

Visit www.hsa.ky for more information