Mental Health Bahamas is an organization that we have started in an effort to address the stigma that surrounds the topic of mental health/illness. In October, Mental Health Bahamas is putting on a seminar at the University of the Bahamas in observance of Mental Health Awareness Month. Under the theme, “Breaking the Stigma and Creating Healthier Conversations”, Mental Health Bahamas aims to destigmatize conversations on depression, anxiety, suicide and much more, helping to create a healthier conversation surrounding mental health.
The Mental Health topic is one that many find to be taboo and is very difficult to discuss. There are so many people that are suffering and don't know who to call or how to talk to someone. There are people who are unaware of the reason behind their behaviors. There are people who have absolutely no clue as to why they're unable to have long-lasting relationships, whether its with family, friends, spouse/significant other and colleagues. There are very little people who are unaware of how childhood trauma affects them during adolescent and adulthood. Furthermore, many are unaware of how mental health/mental illness plays a major role in many of the diseases that are triggered throughout the body today. Yes, food is the prime suspect however, so is mental health and the general public has very little knowledge of this.
The goal of the event is to bridge the gap by having persons qualified and knowledgeable on the mental health topic to address the public. I believe that if more of us come together to educate the society and break the stigma to create healthier conversations we would have a stronger Bahamas. This is an issue that does not get the attention that is needed.