Today, October 10, Guyana joins some 150 other countries to observe World Mental Health Day. The observance, first held in 1992, is the brainchild of The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). The WFMH is an international, non-governmental organisation that includes volunteers and former patients. It was founded in 1948 in the same era as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) which co-sponsors the observance.
Regarding the 2023 day, the WHO issued the following statement:
“World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right.
“Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community.”
Guyanese should note that unlike Guyana, in some territories, the observance is a major national event. In fact, some countries attach so much importance to mental health that the observance has been extended to an entire week.
Unfortunately, authorities in Guyana do not appear to be overly concerned about the mental wellness of citizens. This neglect may be a contributing factor to Guyana’s sad reality. According to the WHO, between 75,000 and 120,500 Guyanese have a diagnosable mental disorder. Of that number, up to 37,500 people are severely affected, rendering them unable to function normally.
Guyanese would be aware that the country has the highest suicide rate in the Americas. Guyana has the astronomical suicide rate of over 44 per 100,000 people. This is far above the global average of 16 suicides per 100,000 people. Sadly, This has been the case for decades. According to mental health experts, a lack of mental health resources within the nation has perpetuated this cycle of ill mental health and suicide. Experts say that this dangerous phenomenon requires attention from the government of Guyana. Unfortunately, such attention has not been forthcoming.
