One of the booths of the Safe Haven Transitional Centre, which held a mental health outreach at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, Tortola, on July 18, 2019. Photo: Team of Reporters

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL) has made an impassioned plea for persons to be patient, kind and show support for individuals suffering from mental disorders in communities across the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Team of Reporters

One of the booths of the Safe Haven Transitional Centre, which held a mental health outreach at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park, Tortola, on July 18, 2019. Photo: Team of Reporters

Although the exact cause for most mental illnesses is not known, it is said to becoming clearer through research that many of these conditions are caused by a combination of biological, psychological and environmental factors.

According to reports, there are many persons in the Virgin Islands struggling with mental health issues and require expert health care via the relevant institutions, care in the home and care and respect on the streets of our communities.

The Virgin Islands was sensitised on these issues yesterday, July 18, 2019 when the Safe Haven Transitional Centre held an outreach at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Movement Park in the heart of Road Town, Tortola.

The Safe Haven Transitional Centre, formally Sandy Lane Centre, falls under the Ministry of Health and Social Development and continues to provide evidenced based rehabilitation services to its residents.

Greater awareness

Minister for Health and Social Development Honourable Carvin Malone (AL), in his remarks at the event, said the aim is to bring a greater awareness to the need for enhanced mental health care to each member in the community.

Hon Malone noted that in many instances, for individuals with severe mental illnesses, addictions, and intellectual disabilities, showing and receiving love may be very difficult if not impossible.

“There is in fact also a need for public education to raise empathy and forbearance towards individuals with such limitations. There is a cause, and today I join with the Safe Haven Transitional Centre, to assist in trying to alleviate some of the stigma and discrimination that a number of these individuals face on a daily basis,” he stressed.

The Minister said he has pledged to continue community outreaches towards fostering positive social change related to the marginalisation and stigmatisation that are sometimes faced by these individuals within the territory.

He stressed, “Positive social change relating to a better understanding by all of what is mental health and what are mental disorders is important. Education on the impact that both can have on an individual’s life is critical as many individuals are susceptible to being diagnosed with a mental disorder.”

Be patient & kind

Hon Malone remarked that having good mental health is a significant element of anyone’s life and can serve as a deterrent to problems like addictions, mental disorders, and medical conditions.

“Moreover, showing and receiving love is a significant aspect of good mental health.”

As he charged, “Today and every day, remember individuals at the Safe Haven Centre and in our community who are on their journey towards recovery, but they may stumble along the way, be patient, be kind, and show support.”

It’s universally acknowledged that some of the main psychological factors that contribute to mental illnesses are severe psychological trauma suffered as a child such as emotional, physical or sexual abuse, an important early loss of a loved one and neglect.