MENTAL HEALTH IS A UNIVERSAL HUMAN RIGHT

Director General of the Ministry of Health, Professor Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma speaking during the Mental Health Day celebration today (Photo: Cedric Ah Colt/ Eyespy Radio Samoa)

Samoa celebrated Mental Health Day today, as a day to raise awareness of mental health issues around Samoa and mobilize efforts in support of mental health. 

The Mental Health Day event  presented by the Salvation Army and Goshen Trust Mental Health Services Samoa was held in front of the Samoa Tourism Waterfront, behind the Apia Central clock. 

According to Pastor Julie Turner, the Salvation Army's regional leader, the organisation was founded five years ago and has since assisted the people of Samoa in coping with traumas and mental health difficulties. 

“We have worked throughout five years and so far we have helped over a thousand and five hundred patients. We have many other Non-Governmental Organisations joining today and they contributed to strategizing the members of the public with their mental health issues and more.”

“Our work is trying to heal trauma and sadness caused by depression and stress for many of our come-in patients. For instance, Domestic violence and physical abuse is caused by alcohol and drugs. Therefore, our part to play in these situations is through calming and helping the night terrors be removed from every victim,” Julie Turner said.

A significant speech voiced by the Director General of the Ministry of Health, Professor Aiono Dr. Alec Ekeroma, expressed his gratitude for the right-hand support of the NGOs and many of the organisations helping Samoa in this section of health issues. 

“Mental Health is a universal Human Rights”

According to Dr Aiono, emotional, psychological, and social well-being are all parts of our mental health. It influences how we feel, think, and behave and influences how we handle stress, interact with people, and make decisions.

Every period of life, from infancy and adolescence to maturity, is vital for mental health. If you have mental health issues, they may have an impact on your thinking, emotions, and behaviour over the course of your life.

“Some people are mentally abused on Facebook, I prefer searching for Positive thought and blocking all of the others,” he said.

The program started at 10am with warm greetings and remarks by Pastor Eric and his Team of Salvation Army, and ended with free food from Goshen Mental Health Samoa Services. Talanoa spaces for those who would like to speak and an Arts and Crafts table presenting creative minds that use art to express themselves were present during the celebration.