The declaration stressed that there is a need for a comprehensive mental health policy together with the ratification of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Presidential Proclamation 8-11, said that mental problems such as “stress, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia are leading causes of poor work performance, family disruption and even suicide.The proclamation added that “mental health disorders and the toll they take upon the affected families, friends and society as a whole, merit greater attention and concern by all of our people, particularly public and private sector leaders so that additional priority will be afforded to mental health.”In the proclamation, the president urged governmental and non-governmental mental health organizations to work with elected and appointed public officials to increase public awareness about mental illnesses.The president also encouraged the community to join and support the local, state and national nongovernmental organizations working to make mental health a priority in our communities across Palau.“We must strive to improve public awareness of the challenges associated with mental illness and to offer professional and emotional support for those in need of diagnosis and treatment for mental illness,” Remengesau said.The president signed the proclamation during his weekly press conference, Wednesday.Ministry of Health officials witnessed the signing of the proclamation.
