Every year on the 10^th of October we mark the World Mental Health Day. Its significance is greater than we imagine. Around the world there are a number of events and activities being held to sensitise people when it comes to their mental health. One way we do this in Mauritius is by holding a few placards and a ministerial visit to the Brown Sequard Hospital.  Mental Health feels honoured on that day and time. Regrettably what we don’t seem to be achieving is the real change in attitude towards mental health and a sense that the government, and relevant authorities, are committed to improving our mental health services.

There is no parity of esteem between physical health and mental health- yet people suffering from mental illnesses are on the rise. The theme of last year’s World Mental Health Day was ‘dignity in mental health’. In broader sense the message was that people with mental illnesses can live a dignified life without the fear of being pigeon-holed. This can only be feasible if we train our health professionals, improve our health services and educate people on how to identify mental health concerns. In many countries around the world the groundwork starts at school and higher education; where younger minds are educated on their mental and psychological needs- and how to keep well in these aspects of their health.

‘’We need to achieve parity of esteem

between mental health

and physical health’’

Our mental health service is long outdated and is not fit for purpose. It no longer reflects the need of a contemporary society. A society in which people are living longer and becoming more susceptible to mental health setbacks. The World Health Organisation has emphasised on the need to acknowledge that people exposed to mental health risks and stressors have significantly increased in the past few years. This implies more people are being diagnosed with mental health conditions, however, the number of undetected cases remain unknown due to a lack of access to the right and appropriate services. Our government needs to learn from other countries who have invested time and effort into their mental health services. They have realised the relationship between mental health and physical health- and how we need to draw a parallel. Being mentally well reduces the pressure on other services such as hospitals and our social and benefit system. It increases productivity and enhances a fulfilling life.

While we look forward to the 10^th October 2016, we would want to see some pledges being made and an urgency to improve our mental health services. We need to see more actions and less talk- unless words are followed by concrete and sustainable accomplishments.