UNICEF Launches “Hear Me Out” Mental Health Campaign in Guyana

October 14 2024- UNICEF Guyana, in partnership with First Lady Arya Ali, the Ministry of Health, and the Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO), launched the “Hear Me Out” mental health anti-stigma campaign on Thursday, October 10, 2024.

The campaign aims to encourage open discussions about mental health and promote the importance of seeking help, especially among young people.

The launch event, held at the Port Mourant Community Centre Ground in Region 6, was attended by key officials, including First Lady Arya Ali. In her address, she highlighted the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about mental health, noting its growing complexity in today’s fast-paced world. “In our fast-paced world, we often overlook mental health in favor of other goals and pursuits of life. But it is very important that we deploy stress management techniques and find what works best for us,” she said.

The First Lady also emphasized the responsibility of individuals to support the mental well-being of family and friends. “We must begin by destigmatizing mental health. In a society like ours, that can be challenging, but through partnerships like this, we can overcome these challenges and create a stable, supportive environment.”

UNICEF Country Representative Nicolas Pron underscored the significance of mental health, stating, “Mental health is as important as our physical health. By encouraging conversations and practices to protect mental health among young people, we can create a society where no one feels ashamed to ask for help.”

Dr. Timothy Morgan, Director of the Ministry of Health’s Mental Health Unit, echoed the Ministry’s commitment to improving mental health care for Guyanese children and adolescents. “We will continue to partner with PAHO/WHO, UNICEF, and other like-minded organizations to holistically improve the mental health of our youth and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues,” he said.

The “Hear Me Out” campaign will feature a range of activities, including school-based programs, television and radio broadcasts, and social media initiatives. UNICEF is urging students, parents, teachers, and community members to get involved in the campaign.

With Guyana ranked among countries with high suicide rates, the campaign aims to address the mental health crisis affecting young people globally. WHO reports that one in four people worldwide are affected by poor mental health, with over 280 million people living with depression. Additionally, more than 700,000 people die by suicide annually, making it the fourth leading cause of death among 15–29-year-olds.

UNICEF remains dedicated to promoting mental well-being for every child, with the “Hear Me Out” campaign serving as a platform to empower young people to prioritize their mental health and seek necessary support.