One Mental Health Advocate is calling on the relevant officials to place a lot more focus and effort into addressing the mental health of the nation.
Chaneil Imhoff spoke out publicly about raising awareness on mental health. She believes that not much effort has been given in the past and now is the opportune time to make that change.
“Mental Health Care has never received the attention it deserves. In this unprecedented time, we must seek to put the health needs of citizens and residents of Antigua and Barbuda at the forefront of our decision-making. Not only should we be receiving better general healthcare, but mental healthcare must be integrated into our overall system to raise the standard of care,” said Imhoff.
She believes that now more than ever due to the ongoing pandemic, greater attention needs to placed on this issue.
“Furthermore, the long periods of isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-1 Pandemic have amplified the need for us to investment more in mental health. Our most vulnerable populations such as women, children, and persons from low-income households are at risk of increased stress, anxiety, and depression and we must take responsibility and invest where necessary to ensure their health and safety,” Imhoff added.
Her comments stem from the recent budget speech themed ““Maintaining a Healthy Nation and Restoring a Vibrant Economy”. During thhe presentation Prime Minister Gaston Browne highlightedthat Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), Cancer, and Heart Disease were the top three leading causes of death in Antigua and Barbuda and the need to invest in a renal center, a cardiac center, and a medical diagnostic center which would not only aid in treatment of these patients but also attract tourists with kidney failure.
Imhoff despite agreeing that this move could benefit the country both healthwise and economically, the youth politician is urging the government not to turn a blind eye on the mental health department.
“While I agree that these centers have their place in our health system, we must not forget the crucial role our lone Psychiatric Hospital plays. For years, Mental Health advocates and charitable organizations along with the Staff and Management of the Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital have been calling on the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to invest more in the facility,” Imhoff declared.
“Currently, Clarevue is in the process of raising $15,000 Eastern Caribbean Dollars to construct an Isolation Room. This must be addressed. While we are investing in new centers, I implore the Government to remember Clarevue and its over 100 patients who require careIf we are serious about having a healthy nation we must include mental healthcare as a crucial part of our national health policy. Many times, mental health disorders are comorbidity of NCDs, Heart Disease, and Cancer which are leading causes of death in Antigua and Barbuda. It is not enough for us to talk about removing stigma and practicing self-care. Our archaic Legislation on Mental Health from the 1950s must be revised. We must start to Legislate for change, growth, and Prosperity for All.”
The 26 year old entrepreneur also spoke on the importance of regular training sessions with essential workers mainly law enforcement, in the correct way in handling with individuals who may suffer with a mental illness.
“The Police Force, Defence Force, Teachers, Nurses, and all other essential workers must be consistently and professionally trained in Mental Health First Aid to be in a position to assist in the event of a Mental Health Crisis. Additionally, these persons should have access to mental health professionals along with all other frontline workers who have been under tremendous pressure throughout this Pandemic,” Imhoff stated.
