Mental problems rising

COVID-19 has created a lot of mental health issues in the country and is demanding more investment so affected people can access help to live a productive and happy life, an official says.
Social Change and Mental Health director Dr Uma Ambi said the quality of the mind was important for individuals as well as the nation.
She was speaking during World Mental Health Day at the Laloki Public Psychiatric Hospital outside Port Moresby on Friday.
The theme was “Mental health for all, greater investment, greater access for everyone everywhere”.
Ambi said since the start of Covid-19, the directorate had received 1,555 calls from people seeking help to deal with the stress associated with the impact of the Covid-19.
“Covid-19 has taught a lot of people about stress,” she said.
“Counselling was conducted over the phone to the people that called.
“Your brain, which is the way you think, makes the difference in any situation (including Covid-19).”
Ambi said the health of the brain was “very important because the mental health issues would create physiological effects which would lead to illness and premature deaths.
“The quality of your brain is in your hands,” she said.
Ambi said it was time people started making investment on themselves and their minds.
“Change mindsets and create a culture of positive thinking.
“As a developing nation, we need people with strong minds,” she said.