Psychiatrist Dr. Timothy Barrett, in an interview with the Bahama Journal Tuesday, said everyday situations like worsening traffic congestion, pressures associated with back to school preparations, the high cost of living and traumatic experiences such as the August 2 boating tragedy add to the level of stress confronting many Bahamians.
Dr. Barrett explained that increasing cases of domestic and child abuse, relationship problems and the pressures of daily living, which predispose some people to psychological disorders, all contribute to the increasing number of distressed persons in the country.
He added that drug and alcohol abuse often hinder the effective recovery of persons dealing with stress-related conditions.
"Substance abuse is pervasive throughout the length and breadth of The Bahamas whether that substance be alcohol, marijuana, cocaine over the counter medications, or indeed prescribed medications," Dr. Barrett said.
"The abuse of substances complicates or adds to the consideration that you have to make when you're dealing with a psychological disorder," he explained.
Authorities also advised that persons should prioritise their psychological well-being in the same way that they would their physical health.
Dr. Barrett, meanwhile, further advised that persons seek to resolve stressful situations before they develop into psychological disorders.
"You have to learn yourself, understand what your daily routine is, how you generally feel and what you have come to expect about how you function," he said.
"When there is a change and that change persists then you have to seek some help whether you look it up in a book or on the Internet, talk to a pastoral counselor or a co-worker," he added. "You have to make sure you're in search of trying to do something to address the fact that things have changed."
Noting that the majority of stress-related conditions such as anxiety and depressive disorders are both preventable and treatable, Dr. Barrett encouraged persons who feel that they need some form of counseling or assistance with various psychological challenges to seek that help.
He said, however, that the stigma attached to mental disorders often prevents those who need assistance from obtaining it.
"You can't expose to anybody if you've ever been admitted to Sandiland's [Rehabilitation Centre] even if that was a one time thing, for example, if you went through a severely traumatic experience such as being held up at gun point," Dr. Barrett said.
"Even if the time in rehabilitation was a one time thing and you're functioning perfectly now people will still look at you and say you don't have all your marbles or you're a fruitcake," he added.
Another obstacle preventing mental well-being, Dr. Barrett said, is the lack of attention many people pay to this vital aspect of their lives. Opining that mental health is even more important than physical well-being, the veteran psychiatrist said many Bahamians place too many other interests ahead of their mental wellness.
"If we look at the priorities in terms of how we spend our money here in The Bahamas we would find that health needs come low on the list of priorities because people will spend on their cars, entertainment, clothes, travel and just about everything else, but when it comes to something for our health we have this idea that the services should be free," Dr. Barrett said.
He added, however, that counseling and psychological wellness services are available "at minimal cost" at the Community Counseling and Assessment Centre located on Market Street and the Crisis Centre.
By Darrin Culmer, The Bahama Journal
