Just a week following the 25th anniversary of the World Mental Health Day, the Sri Lanka Psychological Association (SLPA) conducted a seminar to shine a light on the contribution of psychology towards the development of mental health services.
The keynote address was delivered by Prof Saths Cooper, President, International Union of Psychological Sciences (IUPsyS). Prof. Cooper is a renowned personality in mental health who played a key role in the advent of democracy, psychology and mental health during and post-Apartheid in South Africa.
“Psychologists can play a positive role in reducing the alarming increase of mental health issues among the public. For years, the World Health Organization has been highlighting the rising global trend of depression. A multi-pronged strategy to reduce the debilitating consequences of mental health issues is required of all, and psychology is able and willing to play its part to ensure that society functions optimally,” said Prof. Cooper. Always a strong advocate of mental health service development, the Director Mental Health, Ministry of Health, Nutrition and Indigenous Medicine, Dr Chithramalee de Silva said, “Mental health services in Sri Lanka has grown immensely over the past decade, however, it is critical for all mental health professionals to work together in delivering services to the people.” The acting WHO Representative to Sri Lanka, Dr Olivia Corazon Nieveras emphasized the importance of investing in diverse mental health services and stated that “A recent WHO-led study estimates that depression and anxiety disorders cost the global economy 1 trillion USD each year, in lost productivity.
Psychological issues do not discriminate between, age, gender, religion, ethnicity or social status - it can impact anybody.
Open forums like this are an invaluable opportunity to take the message to the community and overcome the stigma that prevents people from accessing mental health services.”
Organisers of the event, Dr Sharmala Kumar from the SLPA interim committee said, “it is an honour for the psychology community in Sri Lanka to host Prof. Saths Cooper who has contributed immensely towards the development of mental health services around the world.” She pointed out, “Today, with few exceptions in teaching hospitals, psychological services are not available within the public health system. The Sri Lanka Psychological Association, views this forum as an important step towards strengthening our public health system for which Sri Lanka is known worldwide.
We appreciate the proactive and collaborative process of the Health Ministry in promoting the role of psychologists in the country’s development agenda.”
Event highlights:
Sri Lanka Psychological Association (SLPA) was recognized as a member of the International Union of Psychological Sciences (IUPsyS). Professor Saths Cooper, president of IUPsyS handed over the esteemed certificate to Dr Sharmala Kumar, president of SLPA interim committee.