UK pledges support to improving mental health systems in Guyana

By Jomo Paul

[www.inewsguyana.com] – Great men and women have suffered and continue to suffer with mental health issues such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health issues but are not daunted from making their contributions to the world.

This is according to British High Commissioner Greg Quinn, who has pledged the support of the United Kingdom (UK) in helping Guyana to address its mental health woes.

Quinn at seminar hosted at his residence on Wednesday, pointed out that Guyana has an “extremely sad state of affairs” as it relates to mental health and the correlation between the two issues.

“For many people troubled with a mental health problem such as depression and anxiety; suicide is often seen as the only solution. That is an extremely sad state of affairs and is an indictment of us all,” said the High Commissioner.

According to Quinn, one of the direct paths towards addressing the whole issue of mental health in Guyana would be through meaningful consultation.

This coupled with a proper comprehension of the issue and robust policies and guidelines would lead to the improvement of Guyana’s mental health state.

“My own country’s statistics in the mental health arena leave much to be desired. However, my government’s commitment to addressing the problem remains resolute and firm. Today, I also pledge the UK’s support in assisting the Government in improving the mental health situation in Guyana,” said Quinn.

Meanwhile, Junior Public Health Dr. Minister Karen Cummings pointed out that a draft mental health plan is currently being review by the Ministry to ensure that it is up to standard.

“We are carefully reviewing that plan with a view of operationalizing it as quickly as possible,” said Dr Cummings.

The Health Minister indicated that mental health issues are still regarded as somewhat of a taboo in Guyana, hence there is much silence around the whole issue.

Given this predisposition, a large part of the focus on mental health would be geared towards changing the perception of towards mental health in Guyana.