News
Eradicating Stigmas Surrounding Mental Health
#TurksandCaicos, May 16, 2022 –
Introduction
When a person is viewed negatively by others because of a distinguishing characteristic or personal trait, it is called– stigma. Stigma is nothing less than obvious or direct discrimination that may lead to the fear of seeking treatment. Reliable research suggests that more than half of people who are affected with mental illness do not receive help with their disorders. Often, people avoid or delay seeking treatment because of concerns about being treated differently or fears about losing their jobs and livelihood. Stigma, prejudice, and discrimination can be compared to oxygen; whether or not you see it, it does exist in our community and it is a deterrent that needs to be addressed appropriately. What is unknown to people, though, is that most of the time, some sort of mental condition affects the same person who stigmatizes you he or she is just not aware of it.
Who needs mental health support?
This is a question that many people just miss the mark in making attempts to answer. Depending on the level of their knowledge and understanding of mental health, answers can be varied. However, one popular belief is that bipolar people commonly called “crazy people” need mental health support. This is a myth that triggers stigmas and causes so many complicated mental health issues because people are afraid of being stigmatized, discriminated against, and therefore, resisting treatment. Perhaps, asking this question can shed light on this crucial issue.
Who are we?
The common consensus is that we are all human beings. And if it is so, we all have work and personal life. We have relationships with other human beings and face different personality types. For example, we have families, co-workers, customers, employees /employers, friends, and why not enemies. This implies that none of us can deny that we all go through issues of life that require mental health support. Therefore, it is best practice that individuals
are aware of their mental health conditions early. People must be aware that the longer you let it go unchecked, the harder it becomes to get cured or treated. It is estimated that 50% of the general population in middle- and high-income countries will suffer from at least one mental disorder at some point in their lives.
Literature review
The father of modern psychology, Sigmund Freud theorized the defense mechanism. One component of this broad base of knowledge that speaks volumes about the impact of mental health issues in our society, in general, is called, ‘Displacement’ which is the process of shifting the aggressive impulses toward a weaker force. Here is how it works in a cycle that affects the whole society. For example, a man (manager) who was denied access to his comfort bed at night by his wife, tends to shift anger toward his employees, and the employees will be bitter toward each other. In turn, they tend to shift aggressive impulses toward the customers. At the end of the day, everyone goes back home to only shift aggressive impulses to the little one or even the cat that rushes to the gate to welcome dad or mom– gets kicked. This is not the end of it; think about the little one who cannot retaliate against dad or mom but consumes the aggressive impulse. He or she will then shift it to the classmates and then the classmates shift it to social groups. Just think about a police officer who works at crime scenes that triggers significant trauma and does not have psychological support. What can be his/her behaviors toward colleagues, community, or family?
Discussion
as opposed to the common belief that psychopaths (commonly called crazy people) are the one who needs mental health support, may I suggest that apparent sound-minded people do need it as well if not the most since we accept the fact that prevention is better than cure. As a matter of fact, when a person becomes a psychopath at a severe level, he or she becomes very resistant to mental health treatment. So, the earliest a person seeks mental health support is better and gives the mental health professionals a better chance to help.
In conclusion
Do not allow the fear of being labeled with a mental illness to prevent you from seeking help. Knowing that every human being needs psychological support. Early intervention or treatment can provide relief by identifying what does not go well and reducing symptoms that interfere with your work and personal life. Do not allow stigma to create self-doubt and shame. Stigma does not come from others alone but can become a self-fulfilling prophesy once absorbed and accepted.
Alces Dor
Psychologist
For comment, please, contact the author
1649-242-4551
Email: alcesdor@yahoo.com
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – May 14th, 2024 – The Turks and Caicos Islands Government and Molo Hotel Group reached a pivotal juncture on Monday, May 13th, 2024, with the ceremonial signing of a development agreement at the Premier’s Office on Providenciales. The agreement, which received official Cabinet approval on March 13th, 2024, signifies a steadfast commitment to advancing the economic landscape of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Molo Hotel Group is a family-owned business, renowned for its distinguished portfolio of high-quality hotels worldwide. The
development initiative encompasses the construction of three distinct IHG branded hotels: InterContinental Turks and Caicos, Kimpton Turks and Caicos and Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos. Scheduled for completion by 2027, each resort boasts a distinctive design from luxury to laidback sophistication spanning across the shores of Grace Bay Beach.
Kimpton Turks and Caicos – an epitome of luxury lifestyle living, will feature 192 guest rooms including three outdoor pools, a luxury spa and a fitness center. Additionally, seven dining options ranging from a beachfront restaurant to a rooftop bar.
Adjacent to the Kimpton, InterContinental Turks and Caicos will offer 59 classic luxury suites with panoramic ocean views. Mirroring its counterpart, this resort will offer an array of dining options and upscale facilities.
Steps away from the Intercontinental and Kimpton resorts, Hotel Indigo Turks and Caicos will embrace a sense of community and contemporary elegance, offering 56 bedrooms. The resort will feature an onsite restaurant, lobby bar, outdoor pool, and fitness room.
Beyond the realm of hospitality, this development agreement underscores the government’s commitment to fostering economic growth and enhancing employment opportunities in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Molo is partnering with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College (TCICC) to actively promote hospitality as a career choice and support in developing training programs, career fairs, seminars, workshops, and events to raise awareness about hospitality careers. Molo has committed to provide employment and apprentice opportunities to TCICC students and provide mentoring and practical on property training to students.
The signing event was graced by Hon. Charles Washington Missick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, Hon. Jamell Robinson, Deputy Premier, Hon. Kyle Knowles, Minister of Public Safety and Utilities, Hon. Rachel Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, Łukasz and Marcin Slominski, Owners of Molo, Ross Morrow, Managing Director Molo, Arik Kono, Vice President Upscale Development for IHG, Dr. Candice Williams, President and CEO of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Angela Musgrove, InvestTCI CEO, Dr. Barbara Ambrister, Chairperson of the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Dr. Delores Stapleton- Harris, Vice President of Academic, Vocational and Student Affairs for the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College, Mr. Kevin Baxter, Dean of Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET) and Sheryl McLaughlin, InvestTCI Investment Services Executive.
Commenting on the development agreement, Premier, Hon. Misick, stated “The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signing of
IHG/Molo Hotels is a significant step towards a sustainable future for hospitality in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Three hotels, Kimpton, Intercontinental, and Hotel Indigo, will be introduced, enhancing our tourism product and creating employment opportunities.”
He further added, “Partnerships with the Turks and Caicos Islands Community College and Turks and Caicos Islands Sports Commission are underway, demonstrating the Government’s commitment to developing human capital and elevating tourism offerings. This project will bring economic growth, embrace local talent, and enrich our economy.”
Additionally, Mrs. Angela Musgrove, CEO of Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, emphasized “This collaboration confirms our commitment to fostering economic growth and prosperity within our country. We have worked closely with Molo Hotel Group, and we are confident that this transformative project will further position the Turks and Caicos Islands as a premier destination for travel and investment. Much to our delight, it will also provide opportunities for engagement with our Community College and small business community.”
The Government of the Turks and Caicos Islands, operating through its primary Investment Promotion
Agency, Invest Turks and Caicos Islands, remains committed to attracting and facilitating Foreign Direct Investments to the country by providing a comprehensive suite of services. Through strategic initiatives and targeted promotion, the agency catalyzes sustainable development, driving innovation and small business opportunities across various sectors of the economy.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – Detectives of the Serious Crime Unit of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force have
charged a man who allegedly stole a vehicle.
The accused, DANVANTE BRISCO, 30, of Kew Town, Providenciales, was charged with:
- One Count: Robbery
- One Count: Taking Motor Vehicle Without Authority
- One Count: Using Offensive Weapon to cause fear
Mr. BRISCO appeared in court today (May 13 ) and was granted bail of $7500.00 with one surety.
The matter was adjourned to July 05 for a Sufficiency Hearing.
#TurksandCaicos, May 13, 2024 – A 20-year-old Dock Yard male appeared in court today (May 13th) charged with a series of firearm-related offences.
The accused, JAMES SIMON, was denied bail and remanded into custody pending a Sufficiency Hearing scheduled for July 05th, 2024.
Mr. SIMON faces the following charges:
- One Count: Robbery;
- One Count: Gang Membership
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm for the Benefit of a Gang
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition for the Benefit of a Gang.
The charges against Mr. Simon followed investigations by officers of the Royal Turks and Caicos Islands Police Force into a robbery at the parking lot of a Casino where three males robbed a victim.
Additionally, Mr. Simon is charged with the following offences, having been arrested on May 02nd, 2024, along South Dock Road.
- One Count: Possession of a Firearm
- One Count: Possession of Ammunition
- One Count: Unlawful Entry
Officers also charged a teenage minor who was in the company of Mr. Simon on May 02nd with One Count of UNLAWFUL ENTRY.
The accused, seventeen and from Kew Town, Providenciales, pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on May 20th.
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