Dominica joins the rest of the world in the observance of World Mental Health Day today.
Observed every year on October 10, the overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilize efforts in support of mental health.
The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.
Consultant Psychiatrist at the Acute Psychiatric Unit (APU), Nadia Wallace, said mental health treatment in the region remains the most ignored and underfunded aspect of emergency response.
“Natural disasters, traffic accidents, and violence, health and humanitarian crises continue to disturb people’s lives around the globe. Yet, despite the rubble, trauma, and displacement, mental health treatment in the region remains the most ignored and underfunded aspect of emergency response,” she said.
According to her, this year the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) is emphasizing the critical need for readily available, culturally relevant, and long-term mental healthcare in the aftermath of disasters and emergencies.
“The 2025 campaign is calling on governments, non-governmental organizations, and health systems to prioritize mental health as one of the most essential components of disaster planning and recovery,” Dr.Wallace stated.
She continued, “Mental health issues in emergencies are not just restricted to post-traumatic stress disorder, as most people may think. Persons may also experience anxiety, depression, grief, substance abuse, and psychological distress which are frequently exacerbated by the loss of residence, income, and community support.”
Furthermore, Dr. Wallace indicated that children and older adults or persons with pre-existing diseases are among the most vulnerable groups.
Despite increased awareness, she noted that access to care remains inconsistent.
“Even more so, during a crisis where mental health resources are sometimes inadequate or non-existent in many areas,” she explained. “We have challenges like stigma and a lack of skilled workers, which all contribute to the difficulty of providing support.”
She pointed out that the WFMH is advocating for integration of mental health into emergency response frameworks, “training our frontline workers in psychological first aid, community-based approaches that respect local cultures and resilience, and investment in long-term recovery and trauma-informed care.”
Dr. Wallace emphasized that World Mental Health 2025 is a call to action.
“We need to see mental health as a necessity and not a luxury,” she urged. “As members of the global community, we must ensure that mental health care is available, accessible, and equitable for all before, during, and after catastrophes and emergencies.”
This year World Mental Health Day is observed under the theme: “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.”
Dr Wallace do you hear? have you heard of mental health fraud? What would your response be if someone asks you the likelihood or prevalence of me mental health and medical fraud in Dominica?
Do you not believe that the push for medical fraud policies in Dominica is necessary?
The population of the mentally ill roaming the streets is rapidly expanding. What successes are there to celebrate ? Nada!
This is a very serious and vexing issue as these unfortunate infirm people, desperately in need of medical attention, are abandoned on the streets dirty, smelly, hungry and sleeping on the cold concrete. Their only meal comes from a garbage bin if they are lucky to find something edible.
We must build proper facilities to get them off the streets. We must provide the medical attention they need. We must do better for them. Only then can we truly commemorate World Mental Health Day.