Minister and Director Speak out on Mental Health 

By Dana Malcolm 

Staff writer 

#TurksandCaicos, May 15, 2023 – The Ministry of Health is on a mission to get Turks and Caicos Islanders used to talking about their mental health with a suite of new activities during Mental Health Awareness Month.

In a recent luncheon and panel discussion, the Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence explained what simply speaking up could achieve.  Dr. Alicia Malcolm, Director of the Department led the charge.  Acknowledging that mental health was still somewhat of a taboo topic in the country, she detailed the scientific approach that the department was taking to change that.

“It is supported by empirical evidence, that when persons with lived experiences step forward and speak out about their experiences, a shift does take place; attitudes will change, negative perceptions fade, acceptance will increase and help seeking behavior will become more common,” she said.

It was with that theory in mind that Malcolm and her team began to seek out TCI Islanders who had struggled with mental health to share their stories.  Several islanders stepped up to the plate, along with the panelists at the luncheon, there was a video featuring the official ‘Stigma Fighters,’ a group of residents who detailed their journeys and were featured on billboards across the country to help normalize the issues and encourage more people to seek help.

In addition, Malcolm explained the theme “dismantling stigma one mind at a time” was specifically chosen for the TCI to keep educating residents, until there was a tangible reduction in stigma in the country.

“Mental health challenges are real, they do not discriminate and it is absolutely OK to reach out for help,” she emphasized.

Minister of Health Shaun Malcolm added his voice to the call, imploring residents to educate themselves as this would facilitate a more comfortable and accepting environment for all.

“Stigma exists in these Turks and Caicos Islands as it does in most countries– and we have to continue to tackle it through events such as this,” he said.

Malcolm stressed that unity and support could work wonders for suffering residents.

“Let us be here for each other.  Let us encourage persons who need help to take advantage of the services that are available and most importantly let us remember that the more we talk about mental health the more normalized it will become.”

The panel discussion was held Friday May 6, 2023 at the Shore Club.