For many residents in the Turks & Caicos Islands, the issue of mental health touches close to home. Whether it stems from our own intrapersonal experiences or, something that we may have witnessed a colleague, child, or loved one struggle through, Turks & Caicos Islands residents like others in the region face the challenges of mental health and wellbeing and can appreciate the role it has in our everyday experiences.
As the annual celebration of World Mental Health Day (October 10th), approaches, The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD), has the opportunity to again hold public interest to raise awareness about the importance of cultivating open dialogue around mental health and inclusivity.
The World Foundation for Mental Health has chosen to pair this year’s theme ‘Mental health in an unequal world’ with the slogan ‘Mental health care for all: let’s make it a reality’. Highlighting how detrimental ostracism, barriers and lack of support opportunities are global. Fortunately, mental health services and support avenues in The Turks & Caicos Islands are free courtesy of the island’s government and readily available to those seeking assistance. Whilst limitations are apparent, we recognize the battles of those coping with mental health challenges, their caretakers and loved ones, whose experiences rest at the very core of our efforts to improve each initiative.
In recognition of the unprecedented challenges of coping with mental health and wellbeing, the below activities will take place. These efforts will aid us in shifting negative perceptions, increasing dialogue and actions relating to mental health and encouraging help-seeking behaviour to ensure each resident has equal access to the quality care they deserve.
- Monday October 4th
#MindfulnessMonday: Appearance on HealthMatters
7pm on Radio Turks & Caicos - Tuesday October 5th
#ConversationinMentalHealth: VirtualSupport Group for Parents of Special NeedsKids
7pm via Zoom (link will be advertised on www.facebook.com/DMHSDTCI) - Friday October 8th
#MentalHealthConference: Generalpublic
10AM-12:30 PM Ocean Club East Resort ( Contact the department to register) - Saturday October 9th
#IAmAMentalHealthAdvocate: Awareness Walk
5Am Providenciales (Start: Sam Harvey’s Building Complex, Down Town) 6 Pm Grand Turk (Start: Ministry of Health Parking lot)
Let us all become advocates for mental health!
For further information on World Mental Health Day, kindly contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department at 338-3613 in Grand Turk, or 338-4737in Providenciales or visit www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD or https://www.gov.tc/dmhsd/
7th Annual Mental Health Conference
Mental Health Awareness Walk
