Minister of Public Health Maria Buncamper-Molanus commends the Mental Health Foundation (MHF) in its efforts to increase awareness about mental wellness during its Mental Health Month activities.
A mental illness is a disease that causes mild to severe disturbances in thinking and perception, and behavior.
If these disturbances significantly impair a person’s ability to cope with the ordinary demands and routines of life, then he or she should immediately seek proper treatment from a mental health professional.
With the proper care and treatment, a person can recover and can resume normal activities.
This years MHF theme is "Mental Health in Primary Care: Enhancing treatment and promoting Mental Health."
"A one-month period set aside to create awareness about mental health and the importance of mental wellness would allow members of the community to have an understanding of what it’s all about. As they say, knowledge is power.
"Our own MHF has come a long way since its inception and is now an entity that is working diligently in building healthy relationships and therefore building healthy communities.
"I wish to recognize families and caregivers of persons who suffer from any form of mental illness as well as those who have devoted their lives to the care of those who suffer from mental illness.
"Government is committed to further assist where necessary in building a healthy Sint Maarten," Minister of Public Health, Social Development & Labour Maria Buncamper-Molanus told the Government Information Service (GIS).
There is a wide range of mental illnesses, and many mental illnesses are believed to have biological causes just like cancer, diabetes, and heart disease. Some mental disorders are however caused by a person’s environment and his or her experiences.
Mental illness can strike anyone as it knows no limits of age, economic or social standing, race, creed or colour.
This recognition of World Food Day is also part of the Ministry of Public Health annual calendar of observances.