by Elise
Mental Health Awareness Month Facebook page
In May, Bermuda observed World Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) by, among other things, importantly calling it Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month (MHASM). That is much in line with this year’s theme—More Good Days Together—and UK King Charles III’s speech calling to strengthen mental health services and normalize conversations about mental wellbeing. MHASM also aligns with the 2024 review of Integrated Acute Care Pathway for person-centered mental health services. Stigma regarding mental health is a global barrier to seeking help. Bermuda’s Ministry of Health needs to continue education about community engagement. Bermuda’s Mental Health Anti Stigma Group is recognized for its continuing work for mental health. Bermuda held public panel discussions, film viewings, youth literacy, mental health first aid trainings; a lunch & learn, and a fair. Mental Health Awareness Month was founded in 1949 by Mental Health America.
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Nova Scotians protested Premier Tim Houston’s budget that removed funding that affected people living with disabilities. Caregivers Nova Scotia faced a 20% cut and day programs faced a 10% cut, while Club Inclusion, part of The Prescott Group, faced a full funding cut. After the March 4 and 10 protests outside Province House and the Nova Scotia Legislature, $53 million in funding was restored for support, community groups and social events for people living with disabilities. However, daily needs are still threatened. Families and caregivers fear lack of respite for themselves and worry that their clients will get less or no socialization and community time.
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The UK Supreme Court ruled for the removal of independent checks on the safety and appropriateness of care for vulnerable people. Vulnerable people include: adults lacking mental capacity, people with autism in need of a lot of support, people with severe learning disabilities or mental illness and people with advanced dementia. The rights to safety and care are now removed. Appropriate treatment, including medication, is no longer ensured. Mencap, Mind and the National Autistic Society are alarmed for the quality of life for those populations. Independent checks, advocacy and automatic access to legal aid have been removed. Consent to care may be assumed to be given by a person without the capacity to do so or by a person who doesn’t actively protest because they don’t have the capacity to do so.