MP Wilson: Direct Resources To Mental Health
“The PLP believes that mental illness must be addressed as a matter of urgency in Bermuda and that it requires that resources be directed towards it in the same manner as physical health,” Shadow Minister of Health Kim Wilson said.
Ms Wilson said, “Since 1949 the month of May has been established as Mental Health Awareness Month in the United States. This is a time set aside not only to educate the public about mental health but also to reduce the stigma and discrimination that people with mental illness are often subjected to. In our small community, we watch as that stigma deters our family members and friends from getting much needed help.
“The PLP believes that mental illness must be addressed as a matter of urgency in Bermuda and that it requires that resources be directed towards it in the same manner as physical health. The theme of this year’s Mental Health Awareness Month is “Risky Business”, an examination of the behaviours that develop or exacerbate mental illnesses, or behaviours that could be signs of mental health problems themselves.
“The clearest and most recognisable of these risky behaviours is the abuse and misuse of alcohol and drugs. Regrettably, more and more persons in our community are falling victim to the disease of addiction.
“We must do a better job of aiding those who wish to break free from the grip of addiction and manage their disease. The next PLP government will re-evaluate the services available to persons who may be struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism, so as to enable them to lead a more purpose driven life, free from the bonds of addiction.
“Often times, the community looks at addiction as an isolated problem, failing to consider the vast amount of scientific evidence supporting the fact that there is a clear connection between substance abuse and mental health disorders.
“A PLP Government is committed to addressing this and will conduct a comprehensive review of inpatient and outpatient mental health services in Bermuda with a view towards making progressive reform.
“In addition, we will ensure that the provisions of crucial dual-diagnosis services for persons affected both by substance abuse addiction and mental illness are provided for those within our prison and residential treatment facilities.”
“We must do a better job”? You should have done a better job you political example of hollow words…. Go back to bed, you messed us up enough.
Someone has finally come forward to address this absolutely critical issue of Mental Health Care in Bermuda. So many of us being left behind as there’s no real support for the children whom are abused, lost their parents through gun crime, not too mention depression and anxiety that is so misunderstood and swept under the rug.
How about PTSD how many of us suffer from this due to justice being served to the criminal what about the witnesses whom had to testify? People whom are staying quiet even though they witness some horrid crime of murder. They turn to the other things to try and forget, alcohol and drugs, Faith is all we have left to try and stay strong and try to live a normal life, it would never be the same as all on does is try to survive as your trapped in your mind with no one to turn to!!!
Bermuda needs some serious help in this area, good on you Ms. Wilson bring it to light as there are far too many of us suffering, especially the children.
“The next PLP government will re-evaluate the services available to persons who may be struggling with drug addiction and alcoholism, so as to enable them to lead a more purpose driven life, free from the bonds of addiction.”
The PLP however will wait until they are government to reevaluate services. We won’t bother to do it now. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
What happens if you reevaluate and find the services are adequate? Then what have you actually done? Nothing.
It really is sickening they all ran along with the money spending now they got wise words this x minister is is one of the shameful 21 we won’t forget so anti equality ,really a self serving shocking bunch
The mental health of a society is very important. My recollection is that it was not important when the current opposition was in charge so to me this is just more”electioneering”
We should have Tai-chi in the park on some mornings and lunch hours, like some places and they say that helps with mental health.
Such disappointing and unproductive comments.
I urge everyone to support the development of adequate Mental Health facilities and services in Bermuda. The current situation is appalling and yet, no-one talks about it. Thank you Kim Wilson!!
With estimated 20-25% of people in society dealing with mental health issues, it’s impossible that this problem isn’t affecting almost every family in some way. But even family members don’t discuss these things with one another – we suffer in silence.
#mentalhealthawarenessmonth #putanendtostigma
Why should we listen to a person who failed the people of bermuda all the people
This is a thinly-disguised election speech. Empty promises.