Mental health in Seychelles: Breaking the stigma and seeking help   |29 December 2023

Family department brings more awareness about mental health

In 2022, Seychelles witnessed an alarming surge in suicide cases, totalling 13 incidents. This worrisome statistic incited an immediate focus on the mental health landscape within our society, prompting the National Assembly to address the issue.

As of 2023, Seychelles' specific mental health figures are not yet available. However, according to the World Health Organisation, one in eight people globally grapples with mental health conditions. These conditions can significantly impact not only their mental well-being but also their physical health, interpersonal connections, and overall livelihoods. Moreover, there is a rising prevalence of mental health challenges among adolescents and young individuals.

The recent traumatic events – the explosions at Petit Paris, floods, and loss of life in the northern region, are anticipated to have profound and enduring effects on the mental health of individuals and communities in Seychelles. Furthermore, as stated by the Commissioner of Prison in one of his press briefings, the escalating number of unsocial behaviour, murder and manslaughter cases serves as another indicator of the deteriorating mental health situation in the country.

For our special end-of-year review this year, Psychotherapist Jimmy Petrousse provided our newspaper with a comprehensive overview of the psychological landscape in 2023.

“This year has witnessed a significant improvement as more individuals are willing to seek help. This is a huge stride forward. The ongoing advocacy for mental health awareness has proven effective, and I am genuinely heartened by the growing number of people reaching out for psychological support, whether through mental health services, organisations, or private practitioners. There is also an increase in the number of organisations actively seeking professionals to engage with their staff or individuals directly. Witnessing people bravely challenge the stigma surrounding mental health has been a truly encouraging and positive aspect of 2023 for me."

Mr Petrousse also emphasised our society's psychological vulnerability. “As a culture, we are highly susceptible to psychological challenges. Our ability to regulate emotions is strained, stress tolerance is low, and coping with traumatic situations is compromised due to our emotionally compromised nation. Unspoken traumas contribute to the prevalent reliance on substances such as alcohol and drugs. Particularly of concern is the struggle faced by our children in expressing themselves emotionally. I think there is a lot of work that needs to be done as far as inculcating or even cultivating a rich vocabulary of emotions. We really need to start early on and make it okay for our children to express how they feel, what they feel and allow that safety of expressions and safety of being heard and seen,” he said.

In the aftermath of the explosion, Mr Petrousse highlighted another critical aspect: the profound emotional struggles faced by the affected individuals. “The crisis was horrible and we saw how much people struggled and the explosion amplified on how people deal with things. Various mental health services and organisations promptly mobilised to provide essential support for the victims. Since the tragic event unfolded, I have personally visited the homes of individuals who were reluctant to venture outside because of fear. Our response also involved crisis management interventions to address the immediate needs of those affected. The recent series of events compelled people to confront their emotions head-on. Counsellors and psychologists have played a pivotal role in accompanying individuals through this challenging journey, assisting them in navigating the harsh reality and providing a grounding presence.”

Depression, trauma and PTSD

Another phenomenon emerged in the aftermath; following the initial shock, some individuals succumbed to depression or experienced trauma and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and avoidance behaviour. Trauma can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Our psychologist explained that “in a safe environment, our nervous system allows us to thrive, but in the face of a threat, it activates, preparing us to fight, flee, or freeze, often leading to panic attacks. Individuals experiencing trauma may find themselves trapped in their own thoughts, with the potential for a nervous breakdown looming. This requires the critical need for a supportive and accompanying approach to help individuals navigate the profound challenges posed by such traumatic experiences.”

Mr Petrousse highlighted a positive development in Seychelles – the unity and compassion demonstrated by the Seychellois community during challenging times. He emphasised the importance of connections with loved ones and the support provided by authorities in helping individuals overcome trauma.

Mr Petrousse pointed out that trauma affects numerous people on various levels, making it immeasurable. “This is why I believe we are the number one country with regard to consumption of alcohol or drugs. Many children do not have a parent to direct to and many boys do not have a father figure at home. We are making powerful strides in this domain but we have a lot of layers to peel!”

Mental health is a basic human right for all people. Everyone, whoever and wherever they are, has a right to the highest attainable standard of mental health. This includes the right to be protected from mental health risks, the right to available, accessible, acceptable, and good quality care, and the right to liberty, independence and inclusion in the community. Good mental health is vital to our overall health and well-being.

Approach 2024 with hope

Mr Petrousse emphasised the importance of Seychelles approaching 2024 with hope. “It is important to acknowledge that it is ok not to be ok and seek help. The faster we talk about our feelings, the safer and the freer we will.”

“As mental professionals, it is important for us to continue training ourselves to keep up with the latest research. Education on every level is important and our leaders in the country need to be educated about human mental health in general. They really need to make it their goal to be expert in mental health. Once they can speak the language of healthy relationship, healthy functioning, healthy sense of self, their sense our policies and politics will trigger down and we will be positively influencing policies and politics, fostering a society with strong psychological foundations.”

To conclude, the psychotherapist emphasised that a psychologically stable population is essential for the country to thrive and reach its full potential. For those in need of assistance, they can call on the helpline 2722293 for the Quality of Life Division within the Family department.

Vidya Gappy