Ihsaan Magazine May 2020 Issue - Living your best Life | страница 31

modalities employed by Psychologists such as psychoanalysis, cognitive behavioural therapy,
solution-focused therapy, trauma-focused therapy, narrative therapy, expressive therapy and
couples, family or group therapy have been empirically proven to be effective in the treatment of
mental health challenges.
In Trinidad and Tobago, there are various avenues for accessing public and private mental health
intervention. These include multiple mental health clinics throughout the country whose contacts
and locations are available via the Ministry of Health’s website, the National Family Services
Division, Families in Action, Rape Crisis Society of Trinidad & Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago
Innovative Parenting Support, the Child Guidance Clinics in Port-of-Spain and Pleasantville, the
Student Support Services Divisions of the Ministry of Education, and several hotlines such as the
Domestic Violence hotline at 800-SAVE, Lifeline at 645-2800, and ChildLine at 800-4321. There
are also multiple Psychologists and Therapists in private practice.
The popular adage “there is no health without mental health” holds true today in every society for
every person. Mental health enhances our physical health and overall well-being; we each have a
responsibility to nurture our own and help others to do the same. If you or someone you know is
experiencing a mental health challenge, it is imperative to seek help or provide help to someone
in need with empathy, kindness and support to the person in making a call, leaving an unhealthy
situation, breaking a habit or accompanying them for professional help if they wish. Addressing
a mental health challenge and seeking support are not signs of weakness. It is a sign of strength
– an indicator of your humanity, non-invincibility, courage, resilience and your commitment to
your well-being and those dear to you.