People with mental health issues are avoiding seeking help because of the stigma around the issue that exists in Bermuda.

This is according a survey carried out as part of the Mental Health Anti-Stigma Bermuda Initiative launched last year — an initiative designed to stamp out negative attitudes surrounding mental illness.

As part of the initiative, those who have experience with mental health issues are being trained to help promote the need for proper care.

At an event at Craig Appin House this week on World Mental Health Day, Anna Neilson-Williams, the Bermuda Hospitals Board chief of psychiatry, said the survey found that two in five people who had mental health challenges reported that the stigma had impacted their daily lives.

Respondents said they had coped largely by avoiding people and social situations, as well as their healthcare needs.

Dr Neilson-Williams said that the majority of survey respondents said internal stigma and fears, or negative feelings about mental health challenges within themselves, were the biggest issues.

She said: “Addressing stigmatising attitudes will take time but the stress of the pandemic over recent years has allowed for individuals to feel more at ease in sharing how they are feeling and this is an important step in this process.

“So what are we doing? We are training people with lived experience of mental health challenges to openly share and promote the importance of mental health for everyone.

“Thanks to Public Health England, these patient champions have been trained in the ‘Time To Change’ model.”

Time To Change is England’s biggest programme to challenge mental health stigma and discrimination.

Dr Neilson-Williams added: “Addressing stigma is a cornerstone of the Mid-Atlantic Wellness Institute directorate plan and is an integral component in everything we do in our ceaseless effort to provide our entire Bermuda community with optimal mental healthcare.”

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said that the initiative represented a collaborative effort involving the Ministry of Health, third sector organisations, private companies, healthcare providers and international programmes.

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She said: “Together we aim to address and combat the stigma associated with mental health within our Bermuda community.

“The theme for World Mental Health Day this year is Mental Health is a Universal Human Right. As the Minister of Health and as a lawyer, I want to make it clear that mental health is a human right in Bermuda. It is covered in our Human Rights Act of 1981.

“However, it's important to recognise that stigma is not something we can simply legislate away. That's why I wholeheartedly embrace the Mental Health Anti-Stigma Bermuda Initiative and commend their dedicated efforts.

“I encourage every individual to take a personal pledge today, committing to adopt a positive attitude towards mental health, both for themselves and for others.

“Let’s make a conscious effort to be understanding and supportive, just as we would if someone were dealing with a common cold or a cancer diagnosis.

“Let this new-found approach become a lasting part of who we are, not just for today, but for the rest of our lives.

“Our small actions can make a big difference in creating a more supportive and mindful community.”

Ms Wilson said her hope was for a Bermuda community that was characterised by “compassion and awareness” around mental health.

Virloy Lewin, health promotion co-ordinator for the Bermuda Department of Health, said that community was key to maintaining mental health.

She said: “Why is community important to mental health? We’re social beings and we are not meant to live in isolation.

“Community is critical for us to thrive, especially for someone with mental illness who is already experiencing the common symptoms of loneliness and isolation.”

She said that community provided a sense of belonging, support and purpose.

She added: “A true sense of belonging includes the ability for you to feel you are a part of the community as your true self. There is not anything you have to change to be a part of the community but, instead, you are embraced and appreciated for your unique qualities.

“Knowing there are people who support you can help you feel cared for and safe and can benefit your outlook on life.

“Having purpose, and helping others, helps give meaning to life.”

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