Georgetown: Activities planned for phase one of the Guyana Foundation Mental Health Program are well underway. The Foundation launched this program in January 2014, with the guidance of professionals in the field to sensitize and educate the population about mental health issues, using internationally accepted definitions of various mental health conditions and disorders.
Among its activities, the Foundation has published mental health awareness ads in some of the local newspapers, begun distributing posters on mental health issues in different parts of the country, and has also launched a dedicated mental health Facebook page: www.facebook.com/mentalhealthgy. On this Facebook page, followers find helpful videos, articles and stories about people who have been through, or are currently struggling with some kind of mental health problem.
Since the launch of this program, the Foundation has heard from many families who have reached out seeking information about where they may obtain treatment and support services locally. While the Foundation does not offer any kind of medical advice, the public is solely assisted to locate professional mental health services, and individuals who can help.
“We are thankful that some local professionals and counselors have stepped forward to offer to assist people who call our office. There are also a few experienced, well established and well respected psychiatrists like Dr. Frank Beckles who we usually provide contact information for. It is surprising to see the amount of people who are suffering but do not know where to go for help.” According to the Guyana Foundation “When someone contacts the Foundation, they can expect to speak with someone who is patient and empathetic, who will listen to their situation, and ask whether the individual wants to contact someone on the list of providers maintained at the office. This information is provided free of charge to the general public and the Foundation is not paid or reimbursed in any way by these providers.”
According to Managing Director of the Foundation, Mr. Anthony Autar, “there are many people in desperate need of mental health services in Guyana, who don’t know where to find help. These are people from all walks of life and all social classes, ranging from those individuals living on the streets, to the wealthy. What all of these families have in common is a deep sense of frustration, a desperation to see their loved ones get better and to stop suffering. Every single human life is valuable. That drives the sense of urgency behind our program. If we can raise awareness to assist one person to get professional help then we would have accomplished much.” Members of the public who would like to assist in this or any of our other programs are asked to call 225-4414, or to send an email to guyanafoundation@gmail.com.
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