Sparring with Mental Illnesses in the Maldives

Every new year, we set about making New Year’s resolutions. These are often related to our physical fitness such as losing weight, joining a gym etc. But what about our mental health? Mental health is central to every part of our lives and is just as important as your physical health. The reality is that if you don’t attend to your mental and emotional needs, your quality of life suffers; your work suffers; your relationships suffer; your physical health suffers.

Being aware of developing symptoms, or early warning signs, and taking action can help. Early intervention can help reduce the severity of an illness. It may even be possible to delay or prevent a major mental illness altogether.

When was the last time one of your New Year’s resolutions include getting yourself mentally healthy? For many, the answer may be never. With a new year on the creeping upon us, I think this is an ideal time to consider getting help. There are several options you can choose from in the Maldives, but here are three places which can cater to persons at different capacities to suit their needs.

·Centre for Mental Health at Indhira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (+960942403)
Offers inpatient and outpatient services in addition to emergency services, diagnostic facilities as well as counseling and therapy services. Their services are covered under the Aasandha insurance services. CMH also conducts awareness programs pertaining to mental health

Note: Consultation sometimes takes up to two to three weeks due to the large number of patients seeking treatment.

·Society for Health Education (+9603327117)
Conducts face to face counselling, telephone counselling and play therapy for young children as well as providing information through IEC and BCC to increase public awareness of psychosocial issues. Services provided by SHE is free of charge.

·Institute for Mental Well-Being (+9603337892)
Private body providing counselling, psychological assessment, play therapy and early intervention program for children with special educational needs.

Note: Fees incurred will vary depending on the service and for some, it may even be costly. However, access to services are quicker at private institutions.

Although I say that the new years’ is an important point to start your mental wellness journey, it is also important that you keep the efforts and actions consistent throughout the rest of your life for the most effective results. 

Cover: The Sosial