WASHINGTON DC, (CMC) – Chief of the Mental Health Unit at the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), Renato Oliveira e Souza, says the organisation has launched a new campaign seeking to curb the stigma and discrimination experienced by people with mental health conditions.

Oliveira e Souza said various studies show that stereotypes, prejudices and discriminatory behaviours towards people with mental health problems are common.

As such, the campaign is geared towards promoting positive interactions that will improve people with mental health conditions and search for help.

“The more we talk about our mental health, the closer we get to reduce the stigma that surrounds it,” he said.

“When the stigma diminishes or disappears, seeking and receiving support becomes more feasible,” he added.

He also said mental health conditions, which are common around the world, have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a general impact across the population.

Oliveira e Souza pointed to a study published in the medical journal, ‘The Lancet’, which estimates a 35 per cent increase in depressive disorders and a 32 per cent rise in anxiety disorders in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2020, due to the pandemic.

“It is possible for most people to recover from mental health conditions if they receive the necessary care,” he said.

“For that to happen, health professionals must ensure a safe environment and provide quality, inclusive care that is free of labels,” he added.

In addition to ending the stigma and discrimination that stand in the way of recovery, PAHO’s campaign urges national authorities to guarantee funding for mental health care, train professionals in this area, and distribute them appropriately.

PAHO said people who visit its website will be able to access videos, infographics, social media cards, and other resources on what they can do to reduce stigma and discrimination, share their story, and support mental health.

Additionally, messages on social media, he said that by using “#DoYourShare”, people are invited to break the silence, share their stories, and have an open and honest conversation about how they really feel, and thereby, provide mental health support and reduce stigma and discrimination.

The campaign was launched on the eve of World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated annually on October 10 to raise awareness about mental health issues around the world.