#BTColumn – Using the power of mental health literacy to prevent suicidal behaviours

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by the author(s) do not represent the official position of Barbados TODAY. By Teixiera Dulal

The recent tragic suicides among youth in Barbados shed light on a larger issue that demands immediate attention: the pressing need for enhanced mental health literacy across our entire population. This refers to what an individual knows and believes about mental disorders. It’s about understanding and recognising these disorders, knowing how to manage them and taking steps to prevent them.

Individuals high in mental health literacy can recognise specific disorders or types of psychological distress, have accurate information about the causes of mental illnesses, know how to seek professional help, and possess attitudes which encourage help-seeking behaviours.

Despite the prevailing views by some, mental health literacy is for everyone, not just healthcare professionals or persons living with a mental health disorder. Recent events are direct evidence of this. Everyone can and should play a role in offering needed support to loved ones, colleagues, co-workers and even strangers. Too often there are instances where sufferers did not receive the help that they needed simply due to a lack of knowledge about the signs and symptoms of mental illness, insufficient awareness of how to seek help and fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against for seeking support.

Mental health, like physical health, necessitates regular maintenance, check-ups and daily care. Simply because one cannot observe a mental illness does not mean it is not present. This stark reality underscores the importance of recognising the signs that someone may be suffering from a mental health condition. Withdrawal, persistent mood fluctuations, changes in sleep patterns, physical symptoms without an underlying medical cause, substance abuse and lack of interest in social activities are all examples of common signs which may indicate a mental health concern. However, these are all easily overlooked or underestimated without requisite understanding of their implications.

For generations, Barbados, and the wider Caribbean, has been plagued by misconceptions and myths surrounding mental illness. Unsubstantiated beliefs that ‘only certain demographics are affected by mental illness’, ‘having a mental illness or seeking help is a sign of weakness’, or that ‘mental illness is a choice’ have resulted in a tendency to overlook these signs, until it is too late.

Mental health literacy plays an important role in debunking these myths and helping individuals to recognise that mental health problems can and should be treated. The Barbadian society must engage in concerted efforts to increase its mental health literacy and protect the mental wellbeing of current and future generations. Schools and workplaces must equip students and employees with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to safeguard their own and others’ mental health. 

When facilitated by mental health experts, wellbeing interventions hold immense promise as an educational tool to achieve this goal. For example, Mental health first aid programmes provide training needed to deliver initial help and support to persons experiencing a mental health issue. Employee assistance programmes are useful in providing counselling and support services to employees facing personal or work-related challenges. Mental health awareness campaigns organised within schools or workplaces can also be beneficial in increasing understanding and reducing stigma around mental illness. 

It is imperative that we foster a culture of openness and active discussion around mental health, dismantle stigma and arm ourselves with knowledge on how to respond when we recognise signs of mental distress. By collectively embracing these measures, we can create a supportive and informed society where mental health is prioritised and individuals can seek the help they need without the fear of judgment.

Teixiera Dulal – Arthur  is a MSc student and researcher in Occupational Psychology at the University of Nottingham (UK). Her research interests include mental health training and awareness, organisational behaviour, and employee stress management. ]]>