LOVING HEARTS CAN CHANGE
MINDS
BOOK LAUNCH, ART
EXHIBITION, FORUM THEATRE, MARCH AND OPEN DAY
Mental health affects everyone. And, the fact is anyone can
get a mental illness, no matter their gender, education level or economic
status. World Mental Health
Day on October 10 is an annual event aimed at raising awareness of mental
health issues, which the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimate affects one
in ten people across the globe.
This year’s
specific focus is on depression - a very common mental disorder that can
have severe consequences, but CAN be
successfully treated. According to the WHO, by 2020, depression will be the second leading cause of world
disability and by 2030; it is expected to be the largest contributor to disease
burden.
“For too long, mental illness has been the cause of great
shame, causing people to be abandoned by their families, discriminated by
employers and rejected by potential marriage partners. These attitudes need to
change and the time for change is now,” said Dr. Jayan Mendis, Director, NIMH.
To coincide with the theme of World Mental Health Day,
Halfway Home Mulleriyawa and Amba Tea Estate will be launching a booked entitled “Happy?
– Expressions of Mental Well-Being”, which examines the beliefs and
attitudes we all have about mental wellness.
Featuring quotes from Sri Lankan cricketer Kumar Sangakkara,
local author Shyam Selvadurai and international author Joanna Trollope, as well
as various drawings and thoughts from the general public, the publication will
challenge your idea about what it means to be happy. All proceeds from the sale
of the book will go towards supporting livelihood projects for the residents at
Halfway Home Mulleriyawa.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
requests your help in promoting the launch of the book and our other various
public events,
which are being supported by Volunteer Services Overseas (VSO) and funded by
the European Union, WHO, Amba Tea Estate
and other generous donors.
The media and public are invited to attend the following
events:
National school
art, essay and slogan exhibition – National Art Gallery 9, 10 and 11 October –
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Officially being opened by chief guest, Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Ms. Robyn Mudie, at 9:00 a.m. on 9 October, the exhibition will showcase how Sri Lanka’s next generation view mental health issues through their art, essays and slogans. Everyone is invited to check out this engaging display. The closing ceremony will be held on 11 October at the National Art Gallery with the chief guest, Additional Secretary to the Ministry of Health, Dr. Maheepala at 8:30 a.m.
Book launch and
sale of “Happy? – Expressions of Mental
Well-Being” – National Art Gallery
9 October – 9 a.m.
Come for the book launch, take a look at the finished copy
and buy a copy of your own to support livelihood projects for residents at
Mulleriyawa.
World Mental
Health Day ‘March for Mental Health’ – National Art Gallery
10 October – 7:30 a.m.
With chief guest Hon. Mathripala Sirisena, Minister of
Health, the march starts at 7:30 a.m. from the National Art Gallery and will
finish at Lipton Circus. Everyone is welcome to join in the walk and show their
support for mental health care in Sri Lanka.
Open Day -
National Institute of Mental Health
12 and 13 October
– 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
NIMH will be hosting an open house for the general
public featuring an art exhibition, forum theatre craft sale, butterfly making and
fun for the whole family.
The event will officially be opened on 12 October at
9 a.m. by the First Lady of Sri Lanka, Her Excellency, Ms. Shiranthi Rajapaksa
and on 13 October at 8 a.m. by Hon. Bandula Gunawardena, Minister of Education.
We will also have information about how and where to
get help for people or families experiencing mental health issues and the NIMH psycho-geriatric unit
will provide a free memory skill assessment. A trained staff member will also
be available to conduct cognitive assessments.
For more information, contact the NIMH media
unit, Shaun Humphries (English) on 0775 176 365 or shaunhumps@yahoo.com
ENDS
