The recent COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the physical, spiritual, mental, social and economic health of the population. Mental health has been widely affected with new and amplified mental health problems. Preliminary findings obtained from the routine services provided to the community have shown issues related to grief and loss of jobs, family members, financial security, and support systems.

Mental health is an essential part of being healthy and is just as important as physical health. As the World Health Organization (WHO) declared “There is no health without mental health”. There appears to be increasing global agreement of the importance of mental health in our daily life as it reflects in the way we feel, think and interact.

The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) has chosen the theme for 2022 ‘’Making Mental Health and wellbeing for all a global priority.’’ Saint Lucia along with the rest of the world observed World Mental Health Day on October 10th. We would like to emphasize that we all have a voice, let us use it to make the world a better place. We can all fight to stop stigma and discrimination. Stigma and discrimination continue to hinder inclusion and access to appropriate care.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has launched a stigma reduction campaign #DoYourShare to support mental health.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs joins PAHO and calls on every individual to #DoYourShare for mental health. We all have a role to play. The reduction of stigma and discrimination will result in improved outcomes for service users, thus improving mental health literacy for all. We can all play a part by increasing awareness of mental health issues.

The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs supports and is working towards the following WHO’s Comprehensive Mental Health Actions 2013-2030:

• To strengthen effective leadership and governance for mental health
• To provide comprehensive, integrated and responsive mental health and social care services in community-based settings
• To implement strategies for promotion and prevention in mental health
• To strengthen information systems, evidence and research for mental health

The Ministry of Health continues to develop and implement programs for the promotion and prevention in the context of mental health systems and services. In observance of Mental Health day, the Ministry has planned radio talks, screening and other mental health promotion activities.

Let’s make Mental Health our business.