THE ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF YOUTH AND SPORTS

THE HONOURABLE ILIEASA DELANA

 

 

$1· Roko Tui Tailevu

$1· Turaga ni koro

$1· Mental Health Stakeholders

$1· Officials from the Ministry of Health

$1· Disabled Peoples Associations

$1· Invited Guests

$1· Ladies and Gentlemen

Good Morning, Bula Vinaka, Namaste and Salaam Aleikum to you all.

I am delighted to be here to commemorate the World Mental Health Day 2017 in Nayavu, Wainibuka with you today.

I must acknowledge you all for the tremendous work that you are doing in helping those individuals going through such challenges.

I would also like to thank the Psychiatric Survivors Association who have been actively involved in;
$1· Educating and training members and care givers,
$1· Providing individual support and systematic advocacy for psychiatric survivors to promote human rights,
$1· Raising community awareness about mental health and
$1· Provide access to protection and enhancement of these rights through peer support, mental health promotion, community education and policy work.
Ladies and Gentlemen, I would like to share few insights on “Mental Health in the Workplace” which also is the theme for this year’s Mental Health Day celebrations. It is indeed important for us all to realize the significance of being mentally prepared while engaging in activities at our work places, communities or even at our homes.

Mental health is usually associated with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, tiredness, schizophrenia and others, however Ladies and Gentlemen according to the World Health Organisation, mental health is a state of wellbeing in which an individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with normal stresses in life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make contribution to his or her own community. It all narrows down to our individual mental, physical and social preparedness to mitigate any challenges that we face in our daily lives.

However, there is still a significant stigma attached to mental health. Too many people feel that they cannot talk to others about being depressed or not being able to deal with a particularly challenging situation they face. Too many people, young people, are committing suicide because we have cast them out or have not seen the signs of depression, of withdrawal from our families or communities. We have too often stood by instead of extending a hand of friendship or simply hugging our child to reassure them. We have to act against this stigma together. We have to open our hearts, our minds to supporting our children, brothers and sisters with whatever they are going through. In some instances, we will have to re-assess what we have been taught – that a young woman who gets pregnant brings disgrace on our family; that a person who does not fight back is weak; that a person who has a different gender identity is not welcome in our homes – even if that person is our child.

“Mental Health in the Workplace” – and at home - is only achievable when individuals continuously engage themselves in positive activities for instance, having welcoming social groups where they are freely able to share their experiences, challenges and at the same time find solutions in form of advice, appreciate what you have or have achieved in life and enjoy the life been given to you.

Furthermore, we all should actively take part in physical activity and wellness programs in our communities. This does not necessarily have to be organised but I know that you all can come up with innovative ideas to engage in physical activities.

The Government of Fiji and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in particular has taken a proactive approach in advocating the need and importance of wellness in our lives. Our Prime Minister, the Honourable Voreqe Bainimarama, has on numerous occasions championed initiatives and ideas on engaging all Fijians to take part in wellness programs.

Similarly, the Ministry of Youth and Sports continues to provide sports equipment to communities and develop sports facilities around Fiji to allow individuals from all walks of life to engage in physical activities. Children should also actively participate in physical activities which also allows them to develop a healthy state of mind.

Also, the Ministry was able to gazette our public holiday “The National Sports and Wellness Day” where all of us engage in organised physical wellness programs in all divisions. We have recommended that all Government Ministries engage in some physical activity on a designated day and on at least a weekly basis. The idea behind these initiatives is to have a vibrant workforce that has the mental preparedness and capacity to deal with mental health relatable challenges at work place.

Often individuals find it difficult to allocate time for social, physical and mental capacity building. Ladies and Gentlemen be reminded that these principles are the founding blocks of our lives. These aspects determine our life expectancy, our health status and our performance capabilities. I would like to reiterate the message given by our Ministry of Health officials. It is very important to evaluate yourself on a weekly or fortnightly basis. It is advisable to assess yourselves against these few phrases and I quote:

$1· I have felt cheerful and in good spirit

$1· I have felt calm and relaxed

$1· I have felt active and vigorous

$1· I woke up feeling fresh and rested

$1· My daily life has been filled with things that interest me

These few phrases can greatly assist you in identifying areas that might need attention and you all can implement strategies in addressing those areas. It becomes our responsibility to give priority to mental wellness in the work we do. You must all become agents of change and further advocate regarding the importance of positive mental preparedness to your loved ones, friends and colleagues.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the Government of Fiji and the Ministry of Youth and Sports is committed to promote wellness and is also ready to assist in ensuring that all individuals have a mentally stable life style and do not have to endure any illness or challenges.

As it is well said “Mental health is about wellness rather than illness” and Ladies and Gentlemen I therefore encourage all to participate actively in physical activities, engage in positive social circles, eat right and appreciate the life that has been given to us.

With those words I wish you all a blessed day and wish that while celebrating the World Mental Health Day we pledge that we will give due importance to the deliberation and continue having a prosperous and active lifestyle.

Vinaka, Dhanyavaad, Shokran and Thank you to all.