In honor of children’s mental health awareness week in the TCI, the DMHSD has started a social media campaign to encourage youth and families to highlight any issues or struggles with mental health and to share messages of hope and resiliency.
Check out their facebook page for more details and read on to see their press release.
Press Release –
TCI Observes World Mental Health Day With nearly 30 years since the inception of World Mental Health Day, The Department of Mental Health and Substance Dependence (DMHSD) in the Ministry of Health, Agriculture, Sports and Human Services is ecstatic to recognize it, on this October 10th, 2020 along with a week of activities also marking Children’s Mental Health Week (CMHW). Despite mental health awareness already being at the forefront of the department’s initiatives, this day, provides an occasion for the spotlight to be placed on selected aspects of mental health.
Covid-19 has placed a strain on the resilience of many persons around the world, this is evidenced by an increased demand for mental health services and personnel globally. In recognition of the unprecedented challenges which the Covid-19 outbreak and extended periods of self-isolation can impose, The Department of Mental Health & Substance Dependence, has adapted and initiated numerous support avenues for persons struggling with their mental health during this pandemic. With a heavier reliance on telehealth and increased social media coverage, accessing support has been made easier and continues to be free of cost. This is in accordance with the World Health Organization’s initiatives highlighting the needs of vulnerable populations such as youth, elderly, students, frontline staff and those facing financial hardships. Operating under the theme ‘Greater Investment, Greater Access’, your local Mental Health and Substance Dependence team has prepared an action packed week of activities in hopes of alleviating associated stress and promoting coping mechanisms as increased investment in your mental health is our utmost concern. Numerous virtual activities have been organized from October 5th to 9th as we once again celebrate World Mental Health Day and Children’s Mental Health Week in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
As part of this year’s observance, the Department will be conducting the following activities:
- Monday October 5th
#MindfulnessMonday: Guided Relaxation Exercise
12pm on Zoom. ID: 9066553692 Password:210626 (link will be advertised on www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD)
Health Matters: CMHW, Coping Skills & Building Resiliency
7pm (with repeat on Tue. Oct. 6th at 10am)
- Tuesday October 6th
#TalentedTuesday: Live Music & Dance with DJ Taylo Hype
7pm on www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD & www.facebook.com/TCITaylorHype/
- Wednesday October 7th
#HealthybodyHealthyMind: Yoga & Flexibility Exercise
12pm on Zoom ID: 9066553692 Password:210626 (link will be advertised on www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD)
- Thursday October 8th
#LittlekidsBigfeelings: Live Story Time & Discussion
12pm on Zoom ID: 9066553692 Password:210626 www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD)
- Friday October 9th
#MentalHealthSymposium: General public
10.30am on Zoom ID: 9066553692 Password:210626 (link will be advertised on www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD)
The community is therefore encouraged to support these events.
For further information on World Mental Health Day, kindly contact the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Department at: 338-3613 in Grand Turk, or 338-4737 in Providenciales or visit www.facebook.com/TCIDMHSD or https://www.gov.tc/dmhsd/
ENDS