Kindness can be a ‘ray of light in dark landscape’

Jonathan Bell

Created: Oct 13, 2020 08:48 AM (Updated: Oct 13, 2020 08:48 AM)

Simple acts of kindness can ease the stress of an unprecedented year, the health minister said yesterday.

Kim Wilson, speaking at an event to mark last Saturday’s end of Mental Health Awareness Week, appealed to the public to continue the event’s theme of consideration for others.

Ms Wilson said: “Although this is the official closing, it’s officially a call to the Bermuda community to keep being kind.”

She said more kindness should be used in social interactions, conduct on social media or by e-mail — and even the House of Assembly.

Ms Wilson added: “It’s important not just because it’s the right thing to do, but it also has a concrete impact on mental wellbeing.”

Kim Wilson Minister of Health gives recognition and remarks at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

She said kindness released the brain chemical serotonin which caused what has been dubbed the “helper’s high”.

Ms Wilson was joined on the steps of City Hall in Hamilton by Charles Gosling, the Mayor. Mr Gosling told the crowd: “In the recent trying time Covid-19 has inflicted on us, now more than ever we must recognise and reach out to those around us.”

Marykay Gardner holds a sign as a reminder to be kind at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Michael Richmond, the chief executive of the Bermuda Hospitals Board, said: “Patients do not feel safe, even if they are getting the best treatments, without kindness. This is true whether physically or mentally ill, with a chronic illness or addiction, after an accident, or with acute mental illness or stroke.

Toni Burgess holds a sign as a reminder to be kind at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

“We can feel alone and vulnerable in those moments — and kindness can be a single ray of light in an otherwise dark landscape.”

Darlene Glasgow holds a sign as a reminder to be kind at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Charles Gosling Mayor of Hamilton gives opening remarks at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)

Chantelle Simmons BHB Chief of Psychiatry gives closing remarks at the closing ceremony of Mental Awareness Week at the City Hall (Photograph by Blaire Simmons)