The V.I. Department of Health’s Division of Mental Health invites residents to participate in open houses held throughout Mental Health Month in May.
Educational presentations on issues such as mental illness, wellness, bullying and managing stress are among the activities offered. Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Services will also open its doors to residents during the month of May to showcase the many services available to the public.
Health Commissioner Mercedes Dullum encourages residents to do their part to help de-stigmatize the issue of mental illness and to help raise the awareness of mental wellness.
Doris Hepburn, director of the Mental Health Division, said that this year’s commemorative events plan to address important mental health issues through two themes. The first, Do More For 1 in 4, is a call to action to help the one in four American adults who live with a diagnosable, treatable mental health condition. The second, Healing Trauma’s Invisible Wounds, focuses on the impact of traumatic events on individuals and communities.
“We want more people to pledge to be their brother’s keeper or their sister’s keeper and find out what happened to their friends or families if they’re not acting like themselves,” Hepburn said.
This month’s events also feature lectures on bullying to commemorate National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day, which highlights the importance of caring for every child’s mental health.
There will be an open house and film series from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday at Barbel Plaza on St. Thomas and the Charles Harwood Complex Annex on St. Croix.
“Managing mental wellness is not just for adults, as kids often undergo stressful situations such as bullying, where intervention may be necessary,” Hepburn said. “Last year we had a very successful turn out and we are hoping that more of our children will take advantage of this free event.”
Mental Health month began in 1949 to raise awareness of mental health conditions and wellness. Gov. John de Jongh Jr. proclaimed May as Mental Health month in the U.S. Virgin Islands, noting that one in five American adults and children are affected by a mental illness.
Residents can make initial contact for intervention services by calling 773-1311 ext. 3013 on St. Croix or 774-4888 ext 2601 in the St. Thomas-St. John district.
St. Thomas-St. John District Events:
Wednesday, May 9
– 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Open house at Barbel Plaza;
– 3 to 4:40 p.m. National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Day Film Series.
Wednesday, May 16
– 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. – "Bullying" presentation at Barbel Plaza.
Wednesday, May 23
– 3-4:30 p.m. – "How to Care for Yourselves and Your Loves Ones in Stressful Time" presentation at Barbel Plaza.
St. Croix District Events:
Thursday, May 11
– 9 a.m. to noon – Open house at Charles Harwood Medical Complex.
Thursday, May 17
– 10 to 11 a.m. Open forum, parenting support group at CHC Mental Health Building.
