St Kitts-Nevis gov't holds activities to increase public awareness of mental health

Several informative and engaging activities are being held between October 6 and 11, 2019 to bring greater awareness to mental health issues like anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts says the Director of the Counseling Department in the Ministry of Social Services, Michelle de la Coudray-Blake.

The activities are being held to commemorate World Mental Health Day 2019 (October 10). Blake stated on Wednesday, October 9, while appearing on the radio and television show “Working for You.” She stated that this year’s World Mental Health Day is being held under the theme “Working Together to Prevent Suicide.”

Blake used the occasion to encourage citizens and residents to wear something green today, Thursday, October 10, in a show of support for World Mental Health Day and mental health awareness. The colour green is the international colour for mental health awareness.

There will also be a fair in Nevis focusing on mental health issues this Friday 11.

The activities kicked off with a service at the Antioch Baptist Church on Sunday 6, followed by a workshop for nurses on suicide prevention on Monday 7.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 800,000 people around the world die by suicide every year, making it the principal cause of death among people 15 to 29 years old.