{"id":342397,"date":"2025-05-29T10:22:29","date_gmt":"2025-05-29T14:22:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/?p=342397"},"modified":"2025-05-29T10:22:29","modified_gmt":"2025-05-29T14:22:29","slug":"oecs-commission-urges-concrete-action-for-mental-health-awareness-month","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/homepage-carousel\/oecs-commission-urges-concrete-action-for-mental-health-awareness-month\/","title":{"rendered":"OECS Commission urges ‘concrete action’ for Mental Health Awareness Month"},"content":{"rendered":"

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May is internationally recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month. The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission has issued a press statement revealing that together with its development partners, it\u00a0 joins the global community in promoting the theme: \u201cTurn Awareness Into Action.\u201d<\/p>\n

Mental Health Awareness Month was established in 1949, by Mental Health America to increase the awareness of mental health and its implications for quality of life.<\/p>\n

Yet, within the OECS, mental health continues to be a vital yet frequently neglected component of public health, says the Commission. Challenges such as inadequate mental health services, policy deficiencies, and societal stigma have impeded progress and silenced many voices. Therefore, this year’s observance serves not only as a moment for reflection but also as a rallying cry for action.<\/p>\n

The theme \u201cTurn Awareness Into Action\u201d encourages moving beyond mere recognition to actively engaging in meaningful dialogue, community development, and establishing support mechanisms that emphasize mental well-being. It calls for the unveiling of the often-invisible struggles individuals face and promotes the creation of inclusive environments where mental health is openly discussed and actively supported.<\/p>\n

\"\"As part of this regional initiative, the OECS Commission urges individuals to wear green on May 30 as a visible sign of solidarity with those experiencing mental health difficulties. The color green symbolizes hope, resilience, and renewal\u2014core values of this campaign. Participants are encouraged to join the movement by sharing photos of themselves dressed in green using the hashtag #OECSMentalHealth.<\/p>\n

\u201cRecognising mental health as essential to holistic well-being is not just a health issue\u2014it is a societal one,\u201d stated Dr. Roxanne Brizan-St. Martin, Programme Director of Health, Social Inclusion, and Social Protection at the OECS Commission. \u201cThis month, we are not only raising awareness but also demanding concrete action.\u201d<\/p>\n

The campaign emphasizes the 5 Cs of Mental Wellness:<\/p>\n

– Connection \u2013 building community through shared experiences
\n– Coping \u2013 promoting healthy strategies for emotional resilience
\n– Calmness \u2013 emphasizing mental tranquility and mindfulness
\n– Care \u2013 providing empathy and active support to others
\n– Compassion \u2013 fostering safe, inclusive spaces through kindness<\/p>\n

The OECS Commission urges citizens, civil society, and both public and private sector stakeholders to embrace these principles by:<\/p>\n

– Cultivating a sense of community through shared stories and mutual understanding
\n– Demonstrating solidarity through consistent acts of care and support
\n– Practicing empathy by valuing diverse experiences and committing to ongoing learning<\/p>\n

By transforming awareness into tangible actions, society can shift attitudes, break down stigma, and foster a culture where mental health is valued equally with physical health.<\/p>\n

According to the OECS Commission, the message is clear: let us act, listen, and support \u2014 because mental health matters.<\/p>\n

Local Resources<\/strong><\/p>\n

Suicide Prevention Crisis Lines<\/h3>\n
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  1. Primary Crisis Hotline<\/strong>:<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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