The Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs proudly joins the global community in observing World Mental Health Day 2024, which falls on Thursday, October 10, 2024. This year, the theme, “It’s Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace,” places a spotlight on the critical role mental health plays in professional settings and the impact it has on overall well-being and productivity.
Mental Health Psychiatric Practitioner Alicia St. Juste emphasized that the workplace should be a protective environment that promotes mental health. “Globally, depression and anxiety result in the loss of 12 billion working days every year, costing businesses approximately $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. These staggering figures reflect the need for businesses to create safe and supportive working environments, especially considering the increasing mental health challenges in our communities. In Saint Lucia, the number of individuals seeking care for stress-related disorders doubled in 2023 compared to 2021, a clear indication that workplace mental health must be a priority,” remarked St. Juste.
The Ministry’s initiative for World Mental Health Day 2024 aims to engage employers, management, and staff across all sectors to foster mental well-being in the workplace. St. Juste further highlighted the urgent need to break the stigma surrounding mental health. “We want to empower workplaces to promote mental health best practices, reduce risks such as poor working conditions, and ensure support for individuals living with mental health challenges. Training for managers and ongoing mental health education are key to making workplaces safer, healthier, and more inclusive. By prioritizing mental health, we not only improve individual lives but also create more productive and harmonious workplaces,” stated Mental Health Psychiatric Practitioner, Alicia St. Juste.
The Ministry encourages everyone to access the wide range of mental health services available at all Community Wellness Centres and other counselling institutions, underscoring the importance of seeking help early and maintaining mental well-being.