EFFORTS BY the Ministry of Health to remove the stigma associated with mental illness is worthy of national support. The strategy to combat this stigma demands the development of a positive culture toward mental health involving advocacy, public education and financial resources.
Health Minister John Junor's call last week for medical practitioners to join this effort reminded us that mental illness remains a major public health issue. His call was timely, because doctors, especially family physicians, are in an ideal position to identify patients with psychological problems and help them get treatment. Early detection, early intervention and treatment may prevent mental illness from worsening to the level of impairment.
With modern medication, many persons who suffer from mental health disorders are being successfully treated. However, if left undiagnosed their illness will ultimately create grief for their families and communities. Schools are also in a key position to help change attitudes toward mental illness. The youth should be taught that mental illness is no less real than any other medical condition. Lessons of tolerance and kindness towards persons with mental illness, if learnt at an early age, will hopefully lead to a change in attitude. Teachers should engage in frank discussions focusing on the symptoms and treatment rather than labels.
Employers and health insurance companies also have a huge role to play. Employers should ensure that employees with mental disorders are not discriminated against and obtain treatment. There should be insurance parity for mental health care. Insurers should cover the mind as they do the rest of the body. It is in the interest of employers to have workers treated because this will cut down on expensive absenteeism, loss of productivity and other problems.
The media's role cannot be underestimated and may be the best hope for eradicating this stigma by educating people about the disease and debunking some of the myths and misconceptions in people's minds. Jamaican healthcare officials have been at the forefront of the movement to tear down the barriers to full integration of the mentally ill by moving them out of institutions where they are stigmatised and into communities where they can live productive lives with the help and support of family.
It is a shame that the programme has not moved along at the pace anticipated by the healthcare officials because they lack the resources. This only helps to confirm that mental health continues to be one of the most neglected areas of public health. It must be addressed if we do not want to perpetuate prejudice and stigma.
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