As St Vincent’s mental health problems get more severe, the government is having a difficult time recruiting psychiatrists to work full-time. The Commonwealth Network reports that substance abuse and schizophrenia are the two types of psychiatric disorders that are diagnosed the most frequently in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
According to statements made by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves on Sunday, the government continues to hire psychiatrists but continues to lose them, with the most recent psychiatrist remaining for around two months.
”We are seeking to recruit, but it’s difficult to get a psychiatrist. I’ve concluded we have to get a psychiatrist or two on a special contract, and we will just have to pay them more than what is in the budget line.”
In his statement, Gonsalves explained that the lack of a psychiatrist has an impact not just on the programme for mental health but also on the criminal justice system.
”It doesn’t only affect the psychiatry programme; it also affects criminal justice in terms of assessments of persons. Somebody has to get a report as to the state of a person’s mental health. If somebody mounts a defence of insanity, a criminal offence generally, or mounts a defence of diminished responsibility in relation to murder, which would reduce it to manslaughter, you need a particular psychiatric evaluation.”
Gonsalves stated that the government is looking at the possibility of using telemedicine in the field of psychiatry.
Telemedicine refers to the provision of remote clinical services, via real-time two-way communication between the patient and the healthcare provider, using electronic audio and visual means.
“We’re exploring that; there is a lawyer who came to me about this because there’s a Vincentian who has a group of psychiatrists who would be available, and he himself is a psychiatrist and would be willing to do some of that. So there’s an exploration in that area.”
According to Gonsalves, Cuba is home to a large number of qualified psychiatrists; nonetheless, the language barrier would be a big obstacle.
Why is Mental Health Important?
Mental health issues may be common, but help is always available. Most people with a mental disorder, who have undergone treatment, have recovered completely. Positive mental health lets you work productively, realize your full potential, establish healthy relationships, cope with stresses that come your way, and make meaningful contributions to the communities you belong to.
Mental Health and Effect on Individuals, Families, and Society
Individuals – Mental disability, as discussed, varies from person to person. Hence their effect on the individuals varies too. However, there are some common effects or disorders that are seen in people suffering from mental health issues:
Anxiety
Bipolar Disorder where the person shuttles between depressive and maniac phases. They suffer from heightened emotions.
ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder deprives an individual of staying focused on something.
A panic attack is an intense fear of something bad happening.
Depression
Schizophrenia is having multiple personalities. It causes paranoia.
