THE EDITOR, Sir:
I AM a Jamaican working in the field of school-based mental health services as Executive Director of the Safe Schools/ Healthy Students Action Centre at the National Mental Health Association in the U.S.
I am delighted to see that Jamaica is observing Novem-ber as Mental Health Month. This represents very progressive thinking and action towards addressing an issue that for so long we have sees as being shameful, did not understand, did not want to accept or in some cases deemed comical.
There is a real need to work towards removing the stigma that is associated with mental illness. There is also a real need to develop a continuum of care to address the needs of those who have mental health concerns. This includes prevention and intervention programming. I want to applaud those in Jamaica who have worked hard to bring the issue of mental health to the forefront of our national conscience.
Continuing this movement can only serve to ensure that we are able as a nation to benefit from the contributions that all our citizens are capable of making whether or not they are faced with mental health concerns.
As a nation we need to move towards appreciating that mental illness is not just defined as serious and emotional disorders, but also includes depression all of which can be treated. Individuals who are faced with mental illness can be treated and live functional productive lives.
I am, etc.,
KAREN B. FRANCIS
kbfran@aol.com
7 Castle Garden Court
Olney, Maryland, U.S.A
Via Go-Jamaica
