Mental health patients impaired due to society: First Lady

Some of those who have mental health illnesses fail to come to terms with it or accept it because of how lightly the society takes it, said First Lady Fazna Ahmed.

The First Lady made this statement at the launching ceremony of the National Mental Health Promotion Campaign on Monday morning.

Mental health issues arise due to the guilt of perceiving oneself as a failure, weak and easily manipulated and when someone believes they’re at fault at every little thing, Fazna went on to stress. She added that this has become a raising issue that can no longer be left ignored.

“A particular age group or gender does not struggle with mental health. Women, men, children, youth and even the elderly go through this struggle. Their families and close friends are also affected by this. This also affects their productiveness and capability to socialize” said the First Lady.

Further, Fazna said that every one out of four individuals suffer from mental health illnesses.

National Mental Health Promotion Campaign launching at Hotel Jen. Photo by President's Office.

In 2015, the former administration introduced a 'National Mental Health Policy' which stands through to 2025. It states that studies into the commonness of mental health illnesses in the Maldives is lacking.

“The public needs to be made more aware that those suffering from mental health illnesses and those who are stable are not two different people. More awareness needs to be created on helping those with mental illnesses in their work environment as well” said Fazna.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Health Abdulla Ameen stated that it is the most highly prioritized pledge for the health sector the President has made to work on promoting mental health awareness.

National Mental Health Promotion Campaign launching at Hotel Jen. Photo by RaajjeMV

Secretary General at the Maldivian Red Crescent Noora Mohamed stated that all of us need to own and be part of this critical conversation on mental health.

A National Mental Health Center which provides counseling services as well as awareness programs for the public, was inaugurated by President Solih in late March. It was included in President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s first-100-day action plan.

Initiated by the Health Protection Agency (HPA) the National Mental Health promotion is a 100-day campaign.

The ceremony was joined by seniors from Ministry of Health and several local NGOs, Gender Minister Shidhatha Shareef, State Ministers of Health Mohamed Zuhair, Dr Shah Mahir, Director General at HPA Maimoona Abubakur, WHO representative Dr. Arvind Mathur and President of Red Crescent Ali Nashid among many officials from health associations across the country.