Guyana joined the rest of the world yesterday in observing World Mental Health Day and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security has noted the effects that the Coronavirus pandemic continues to have on people’s mental health.

In a statement, Human Services Minister Dr. Vindhya Persaud reminded that mental health determines the state of well-being of everyone and the ability to function optimally, cope with challenges, and make everyday life choices and decisions.

She said it is critical that conversations around mental health not remain taboo and people seeking help to alleviate mental health illnesses not be stigmatized.

It was noted that the Covid-19 pandemic stressors have increased the number of persons seeking treatment for mental health issues.

The Ministry of Human Services is urging persons who are struggling with mental health issues to cultivate optimism, described as, “hopefulness and confidence about the future or the success of something.”

The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) has noted that the COVID-19 pandemic has worsened the mental health situation in the Americas, “increasing new cases of mental health conditions and worsening pre-existing ones.”

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