Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence Launches New Mental Health Month Observance

#TurksandCaicos, May 16, 2022 – In accordance with its mission to provide access to quality services, and advocate for the mental health and substance use needs of individuals of all ages in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence will host the first annual, Mental Health Awareness Month starting May 1^st -31^st 2022.

Mental Health conditions affect individuals, families and entire communities. Unfortunately, some individuals are reluctant to reach out for help due to stigma and the harsh negative perceptions surrounding mental illnesses. Around the world, people with mental illnesses also experience disparities in income, employment, education, homelessness, and most tragically – life expectancy. Outdated misperceptions, myths, and prejudice lead to many of these outcomes.

Mental Health Month is an opportune time to increase awareness about any and all barriers that make it difficult for persons to access help and to seek to dismantle them. The theme chosen for the month of May is “Together for Mental Health”.

 “If we are going to be successful in ensuring that all persons suffering in our communities with mental disorders are helped, it will take a concerted effort. It will take all of us joining together to make this happen” – Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence”.  

Over the past 10 years, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) within the Ministry of Health and Human Services has led numerous initiatives to improve the lives of people living with mental health conditions and to promote acceptance, support, prevention and recovery from mental disorders. These include:

• The Development of a National Suicide Prevention Plan 2019-2028
• The Development of the Mental Health Ordinance 2016
• Mental Health Telehealth Services
• Virtual Grief Support Group Sessions
• Construction of a Mental Health Facility which is set to open in 2022
• Mental Health training for various stakeholder groups
• Development of the Department’s website and social media pages
• Production of numerous videos and PSA’s

Mental Health Month gives us all a valuable opportunity to reflect and celebrate the tremendous strides this country has made in promoting mental health and increasing the public’s knowledge that effective services and support are available.

During the month of May, DMHSD will bring awareness through videos, educational digital materials, social media engagement and community activities.