Definite need to improve mental health services
There is a definite need to enhance mental health services in Fiji. That was the sentiment raised by dental therapist and mental health warrior, Amish Kumar Naresh while speaking at the launch of Mending Minds Foundation (MMF) at the Tanoa Waterfront Hotel in Lautoka.
The 25-year-old lad from Navua is not a survivor, but is classed as a ‘warrior’ of mental health.
Mr Naresh said he went through anxiety and was unable to tell.
“I didn’t even know what anxiety was, I didn’t even know how to spell it back then, we didn’t know what stress was, we just knew what being angry and emotional was,” he said.
“I go through a lot of anxiety in the morning.
Not a survivor, a warrior.
“I don’t think of myself as a survivor, I don’t think of any person who deals with mental health issues as survivors but warriors.”
He said MMF was an important arm for Fiji.
“When there are a lot of challenges, a lot of problems, you often find the same level of opportunity in the situation where a small group of people can create a very huge positive impact in Fiji,” he added.