Significant challenges prevent many Guyanese from accessing quality mental health services in a timely manner, the Guyana Foundation said in a message to mark World Mental Health Day today.
The Foundation said that startling estimates by the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), indicate that 19-24% of the population in the Americas suffer from a mental disorder.
“In Guyana, where there are less than five full-time psychiatrists, less than 300 beds in the National Psychiatric Hospital, and no day treatment or community residential facility, approximately 142,000-179,500 individuals are estimated to be in need of mental health services”, the Foundation said.
It said that mental health professionals remain overworked and underappreciated.
The Foundation said that despite efforts to train more mental health professionals, important stakeholders remain disengaged.
“Tragically, all these signs point to the mental health sector in Guyana being in a state of crisis. Sometimes, it may appear that the existing problems are insurmountable, and that the few NGOs and other stakeholders who dare to conduct small-scale mental health programs are fighting a losing battle. However, the lives of our Guyanese brothers and sisters are too precious to give up on initiatives to bring some measure of relief to those who are in distress. Every effort, no matter how small, can go a long way to raise awareness, and to improve the quality of life for someone struggling with a mental disorder”, the Foundation said.
This year, as World Mental Health Day is being observed, the Guyana Foundation is asking ordinary Guyanese to participate in a Mental Health hash-tag/selfie photo campaign. Participants, including children, and young adults, have been emailing us their photos with uplifting messages and encouragement for those who are struggling with mental disorders. These Foundation said that photos will be available on the Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/theguyanafoundation, and members of the public are welcome to participate and add their voice by emailing guyanafoundation@gmail.com.
Recently, the Foundation said that several brave individuals have stepped forward to share the stories about their personal struggles with various forms of mental illness.
“Some of them recounted heartbreaking stories of trauma, betrayal, discrimination, isolation, shame, and silence.
Others, though, are more hopeful, like the story of a young man we met recently who has been living with bipolar disorder for 10 years.
He and his family members were able to educate themselves and establish support mechanisms to ensure that his symptoms do not spiral out of control. He is now able to work two days per week and strives towards meaningful goals that he believes he can achieve”, the release from the Foundation said.
