Making mental health a priority beyond the therapist’s chair
This World Mental Health Month, Minha shares her perspective on the current mental health landscape of Maldives
Maldives is one of the most beautiful countries in the world, a nation that is built on several small islands, a place which many describe as heaven on Earth. However, the people residing here face deep inequalities in access to facilities and services, particularly in health and wellbeing.
Until recently, the topic of mental health was a very taboo topic. Although there is still stigma around having conversations about depression, anxiety, or trauma, the youth of today’s generation is trying to learn and educate themselves and those around them about mental health and talk more openly about it.
While this is progress, it’s important to acknowledge that sometimes, this is not done in the right way. Terms like “depression”, “ADHD” and “OCD” are sometimes used casually to describe minor struggles which risk watering down the real experiences of people living with these conditions. Still, these imperfect conversations are a sign that we are learning and moving forward.
This year, World Mental Health Day reminds us: mental health is a right, not a privilege. Every child, every adolescent, and every young person deserves the chance to be heard, supported, and empowered.
Understanding mental health as a continuum rather than as simply “healthy” or “unwell” helps normalize seeking help early and encourages constant care for our wellbeing, before we hit the crisis point.
Mind and body connected: prevention goes beyond physical health
Many people do not realize how interlinked our physical and mental wellbeing is! We often believe the phrase “prevention is better than cure” only applies to our physical health. We eat and sleep well, and we try to be active so that we do not become physically unfit. But what if I say lifestyle choices like these can affect our mental health too? When we make healthy choices for ourselves, we are not only helping our physique but also reducing stress, improving mood, increasing energy, and boosting overall mental resilience. In essence, caring for our body is also a way of caring for our mind.
We often only reach out for help when we’ve already reached a point of crisis. This could be when life becomes so overwhelming or unmanageable that it feels impossible to cope – sometimes, unfortunately, a bit too late. This mindset not only delays recovery but also reinforces the stigma around having early, open conversations about our mental health.
Mental health is not black and white; it exists on a spectrum that shifts throughout our lives. We move along this spectrum in response to our circumstances, environment, and support systems. Understanding mental health as a continuum rather than as simply “healthy” or “unwell” helps normalize seeking help early and encourages constant care for our wellbeing, before we hit the crisis point.
Sad or depressed? Using the right term really matters!
“I am depressed”, “My anxiety will never allow me to do that”, “Why are you always arranging this? I have OCD”, these are phrases or terms that we now hear daily. But misusing these terms risks watering down the very real struggles of people living with these conditions. This not only makes it harder for them to speak openly about their experiences but also reinforces stigma. Using these terms thoughtfully helps people to respect and validate the struggles of those affected and recognize the real experiences behind them. As the Kihineh? campaign reminds us: every feeling matters, every struggle is real, and asking for help is a sign of strength.
Cafés, art, and conversation: small steps, big change
The only widely recognized mental health service we have in our society are the therapy sessions provided by psychologists or counsellors. These therapy sessions have a high demand as this is the only specialized support that is available. They are usually sought as a last resort, when people reach a point of extreme distress or crisis. But what are some things that can be provided as mental health support instead of waiting until we hit the point of severe struggle?
In many other countries, a variety of services and support options exist beyond one-on-one therapy. For instance, support groups, community counselling centres, school and workplace mental health programs provide early interventions and continuous support. These services help individuals manage stress, anxiety, and other minor struggles in life before they escalate and hit the breaking point. On top of it, these services make health care more accessible while helping reduce stigma around mental health concerns.
In Maldives, hangouts that promote talking about mental health, like expressing views, sharing personal stories, or presenting poetry or artwork related to mental health could be the beginning of small steps toward raising awareness, reducing stigma, and creating safe spaces for open conversations about mental well-being.
Towards a healthier mindscape: the road ahead
As we mark Mental Health Day, it is important to recognize that mental wellbeing is just as crucial as physical wellbeing. Young people in Maldives face a lot of challenges in accessibility, affordability, and awareness, which is probably why many mental health terms are often used casually and in the wrong context.
We need more initiatives that promote early interventions at every level - in schools, workplaces, and community gatherings - instead of waiting for therapist appointments when everything has already fallen apart. This change will eventually build a society where seeking help is normalized and stigma is reduced. We need more people advocating for equal access to get the help that everyone needs in all parts of the country. Because a healthier Maldives isn’t just about healthy bodies, it is also about resilient, empowered, and thriving minds.
