National Head of Mental Health Services in Solomon Islands, Dr Paul Orotaloa says communities in Solomon Islands should treat people who are sick with mental illness as any other normal diseases – responding appropriately to their needs, without stigmatisation.
Dr Orotaloa made the call in an interview saying people with mental illness need help, therefore people should assist rather than discriminate against them.
“Our communities should regard anyone who is sick with mental illness as individuals who are sick and needs help, give them the support they need. These individuals are sick, at any particular point in time that we saw them behave strangely or in a funny way we should not attach any different meanings to them because when we do so it will invoke in us different reactions. If we see them as sick individuals, we can be able to respond appropriately.”
