Philipsburg:--- The Mental Health Foundation (MHF) is joining the UN and the rest of the world in observing Mental Health Month.
The theme for the year is "Mental Health in primary care: Enhancing treatment and promoting Mental Health", which the World Health Organization (WHO) describes as a day to "promote more open discussion of mental disorders, and investment in prevention and treatment services. The treatment gap for mental, neurological and substance use disorders is formidable especially in poor resource countries"
"450 million people world-wide, currently suffering from mental or neurological illnesses, are being failed by their communities, many of which have no mental health policies in place" announced WHO almost a decade earlier.
For this reason, MHF joins with the rest of the world in promoting Mental Health in Primary Care while still providing Secondary care to patients and families who need it most.
MHF has 5 Care Products from which the Foundation is able to execute mental health care in its utmost capacity.
Psychiatric Care product involves Psychiatric evaluation and consultation, which requires general practitioner referrals. At the moment the Foundation operates with visiting Psychiatrists who are able to prescribe treatment when onsite. When not on the island MHF has an on call physician for emergencies or a crisis.
When a crisis occurs MHF has its Crisis intervention product, which services individuals at their home or other location when deemed necessary. Other than stabilizing patients, the foundation provides psycho education to family and friends through the help of their equipped nurses and psychologist.
The Faraja Center, which is situated on the premises of MHF, operates as a haven for clients with many different situations. Their day is filled with planned activities, discussions and followed by a hot meal. They interact with each other, their mentors and Psych aids that provide encouragement and support.
For those who are not able to leave their home, the Psychiatric Home Health Care (Ambulant care) delivers the same care to homebound patients as well as those who are homeless.
The Information and Prevention product provides information concerning the Foundation and its care products to the community at large. Conducting workshops, school presentations and Public awareness activities.
During the month of October The Mental Health Foundation would like to make its existence and services known and admonishes Sint Maarten to reflect on the issue of Mental Health and its importance.