By: L.N. Reklai
October 6, 2016 (Koror) A Presidential Proclamation No: 16-190 declaring October 10th as World Mental Health Day, was signed today by President Tommy E. Remengesau Jr. and witnessed by members of Palau Behavioral Health Advisory Council, Behavioral Health, Public Health and Ministry of Health.
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Themed “Dignity in Mental Health-Psychological & Mental Health First Aid”, the event is to raise awareness and address stigma associated with mental ill-health “so that dignity is promoted and respected and more people are empowered to take action to promote mental health”.
The proclamation asserts that mental health conditions affect everyone, that many people will need mental health support in times of emergency, that Psychological and Mental Health First Aid is a simple learnable skill and that every person’s mental health is critical in building of a healthy island nation.
Furthermore, the proclamation urges everyone to learn the basic psychological and mental health first aid so that support can be provided for those in need, same as those with physical health crisis, by practicing the 3Ms, Momes, Morrenges, Molngesau.
Programs will be aired on October 10th about what 3Ms means and other related programs aimed at supporting and promoting mental health wellness in Palau. [/restrict]