MRC- Breaking Stigma around Mental Health Issues

Thursday 30th of April 2020

MRC- Breaking Stigma around Mental Health Issues

Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC) says that it’s vital that we break the stigma around mental health issues and ensure that everyone has access to psychosocial and mental health support. The independent humanitarian organization said that this issue has become more significant during the pandemic.

At a press conference at National Emergency Operations Centre, the MRS Head at Mental health and Psychosocial Support cluster, Dr Arif Mohamed highlighted the availability of support for mental health needs and called on people to use available health and support without any hesitations. “There is no shame in getting help. We are all human.”

Dr Arif, who is also a member of MRC PSS technical Advisory Committee noted that stigma still exists around getting support and treatment for mental health issues. According to British Association for Psychopharmacology, there are two main types of stigma that occur with mental health problems: social stigma and self-stigma. People who seek help are often discriminated in the society as people think they are ‘insane’ or have a mental illness.

The doctor had also highlighted the importance of taking better care of children during the crisis. “The closure of schools and disruption to normal routines might lead to behavioral changes or sleeping difficulties.” He asks parents to increase interaction with children and explain everything in an understandable way.