In his keynote address at the official opening of Samoa’s Mental Health Week, Acting Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, Hon. Tuala Tevaga Iosefo Ponifasio, addressed the importance of tackling mental health issues in Samoa. Speaking at the EFKS Aai-o-Niue, Tuala urged the nation to confront the silence surrounding mental illness and break the stigma that often prevents people from seeking help.
“Mental health is a challenge that requires us to confront uncomfortable truths,” Tuala said.
According to Tuala, while Samoa’s culture and traditions have long been sources of strength, the stigma surrounding mental illness is still prevalent.
“Many of our people suffer in silence, believing that mental illness is a sign of weakness or a curse.”
This year’s Mental Health Week, running until 10 October, aligns with World Mental Health Day.
The theme, ‘Healthy Minds, Healthy Workplaces,’ focuses on the role of mental health in the workplace.
“We all know that our work plays a significant role in our lives,” Tuala said. However, he pointed out that discussions about mental health are often overlooked in the workplace.
Tuala also acknowledged the rising rates of suicide, especially among young adults in urban areas. “The fact that Samoa has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the Pacific should give us all pause,” he said.
The Acting Prime Minister discussed progress made by the government and NGOs in raising awareness and integrating mental health services into primary care. He pointed to the efforts of organizations like the Goshen Trust and the Salvation Army in supporting mental health initiatives.
Despite these efforts, challenges remain. “Samoa still faces several challenges in addressing mental health, including resource limitations and cultural stigma,” Tuala noted. He called for ongoing collaboration and investment to ensure mental health care is accessible to all.
Tuala invited the public to participate in the National Mental Health Parade on 10 October, encouraging everyone to show their support for mental health initiatives.
“There is no health without mental health,” he said, urging continued efforts across the nation.
Lauga i le Gagana Samoa
