by Khaila Gentle

BELIZE CITY, Tues. Oct. 11, 2022

According to the World Health Organization, close to 1 billion persons have a mental health disorder. Despite this, relatively few have access to adequate mental health services. This past Monday, October 10, the international community, along with WHO and the UN, observed World Mental Health Day under the theme “Make Mental Health and Wellbeing a Global Priority for all.”

In a statement released by the Ministry of Health & Wellness, Hon. Kevin Bernard explained that this year’s theme was chosen to address the inequalities in mental healthcare that were exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the impact that the pandemic had on mental health globally.

During the first year of the pandemic alone, depression and anxiety increased by 25% around the world. WHO has stated that the pandemic has triggered a global mental health crisis due to increased short and long-term stress. Here at home, Belize reported a 31.5% increase in anxiety disorders.

This World Mental Health Day, the WHO has made a call for greater investment in mental health care for all. The Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) has answered that call recently, by providing training for staff on how to show greater empathy to patients.

“This day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to raise awareness about stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness,” said Minister Bernard.

World Mental Health Day has been observed annually since the year 1992. The Ministry of Health and Wellness offers mental health care services for free and advises anyone in need of help to access these resources or talk to their primary healthcare provider about it.