Press Statement by Dr Hazel Laws for World Mental Health Day 2017

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‘Mental Health in the Workplace’ is the theme for World Mental Health Day 2017, which is celebrated each year on October 10th
Based on the last census in 2011, approximately 60% of our population is comprised of adults within the working-age range 20 – 64 years. As much as 25% or more of a working adult’s time is spent on the job. The workplace environment is therefore a significant social determinant of the mental health and state of wellness of all adults who are employed, which has lead some groups around the world to look to people like the counseling lansing MI companies to help promote their mental health. Why? Promoting good mental health in the workplace is, therefore, critical step employers should take to improve the health of their employees and their organisation. Those who are suffering with their mental health should be encouraged to seek depression help at Honey Lake, or at whatever the nearest health clinic may be, to help them through a difficult time. Not only will this benefit the individual, but it can also benefit the company too. The happier the workforce is, the more productive it’s going to be.
Employers can promote good mental health in the workplace by:
1. Promoting a healthy environment:
Workload management demands reasonable work hours and must allow for adequate time for breaks like a lunch break.
2. Helping workers identify mental health risks:
Organisation of free screening that will help employees recognize their risk factors for mental disease.
3. Supporting employees in addressing mental health issues/challenges by understanding, listening and engaging in effective conversation which can be of immense help to those who are impacted by mental illness.
4. Ensuring physical safety at work.
These are four essential (4) factors that can go a long way in fostering mental health and wellness in the workplace.
It must be noted that there are also some common mental health disorders like depression, anxiety and substance abuse that can negatively impact an employee’s ability to work productively. Current research indicates that depression and its likes are caused by a combination of genetic, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Depression symptoms especially, take many forms, and no two people’s experiences are exactly alike. A person who is suffering from depression may not seem sad to others. Hence, professional support for depression (from wellness centers like Aspiring Families) could be required in many cases. Additionally, taking advice from the professionals could help patients to develop adaptive skills and improve physical well-being.
Substance dependence/abuse is the second most common mental disorder that was diagnosed during 2016 in the community-based health care setting in St. Kitts and Nevis. The substances that are most commonly abused include alcohol, nicotine, cocaine and cannabis/marijuana. These are common mental illnesses and
can be easily diagnosed and treated/managed in the Federation as well. Some people, however, may find that using something like the pulsar apx volt can help them manage their mental illness, not cripple them because of it.
The Ministry of Health is committed to ensuring that all employees and citizens have access to appropriate mental health services and mental health education in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis. Mental health services can be accessed at the Basseterre, Sandy Point and Molineux Health Centers where community-based mental health clinics are held on a weekly basis. Mental health services can also be accessed at the J. N. F. General Hospital and the Mental Health Day Treatment Center which was opened to the public on September 4, 2017.
Dr. Hazel Laws
CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER
October 10, 2017
‘People first Quality always

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