ST. MAARTEN: Call For Heightened Awareness on Mental Ilness

PHILIPSBURG, St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles (The Daily Herald), October 10, 2007: Health Commissioner Maria Buncamper-Molanus says there is need for continuous awareness about stigmas related to mental illness “throughout various cultures.” “We live in a culturally interconnected world, according to the World Health Organization, where one in every 35 persons is an international migrant. Dramatically different languages, religions and cultures coexist in a single country,” the Commissioner said in a message to mark the occasion of World Mental Health Day being observed today, Wednesday. “This cultural diversity may influence many aspects of mental health, including how individuals from a given culture communicate and manifest their symptoms, their style of coping, their family and community supports, and their willingness to seek treatment. “In mental health care, culture impacts how people label and communicate distress, explain the causes of mental health problems, perceive mental health providers, and utilize and respond to mental health treatment. The government established St. Maarten Mental Health Foundation, has to also take into consideration the make-up of the St. Maarten society which comprises more than 100 nationalities with respect to where mental illness is concerned. She continued: “How can we overcome the barriers of cultural difference? We need to use approaches that incorporate cultural backgrounds and address language barriers. Let us as a community work to overcome the fear of stigma that leads many to avoid seeking care. At the same time, I would like to commend all those working in the interests of improving mental health care on the island and to continue with the good work.” World Mental Health Day is being observed today, Wednesday, under the theme: “Mental health in a changing world: the impact of culture and diversity.” © The Daily Herald 2007 - All Rights Reserved.