Urban residents and those in the workforce are more prone to suffer from mental illnesses, says psychiatrist Seiuliali'i Dr. George Tuitama.

In an interview with Samoa Observer, Seiuliali'i indicated that a follow-up study will be carried out in workplaces to identify the problems and give individuals the help they require.

According to the most recent epidemiology and prevalence study, the majority of people experiencing mental health stress and distress are working adults, those residing in urban areas, as well as those between the ages of 20 and mid-40s.

“This was my first survey that started last year and completed the beginning of this year and prior conducting this research, we were unaware of the increased susceptibility of these individuals to mental illnesses," he said.

“Our goal is to validate the adage that "Happy and Healthy Workers Work Better."

He went on to say that during the survey, they noticed and learned that many people are dealing with illnesses that were only recently brought to their attention during their extensive mental health testing. 

“In addition to screening them, we also assist them with follow-ups, management, counselling, and treatments," he said.

Seiuliali’i further stated that besides the fact that they are providing the service and educational training for the students to gain the community experiences.

“Another interesting thing about this service is that the majority of them have diabetes and high blood pressure, but it was only identified during the screening. 

“Without this effort that offers free screening, someone could have died unexpectedly here or while going about their daily tasks, while others would not have known that they had been in serious condition.

In addition, he stressed the fact that people would not have been more cognisant of what they do if they hadn't talked and acknowledged the fact that they might have anxiety or that such an illness in fact exists.

“And this is just healthy habits. It’s not just eating healthy but simple things like preventing the things that make you angry.

In March of this year, Digicel Samoa in partnership with Oceania University of Medicine (OUM), launched the” Healthy Minds Initiative," which aims to identify and manage mental health disorders early on.

The objective behind this project, according to Seiuliali'i, is to attempt and identify mental health concerns early on.

“ The thing is, most of our current and previous patients at the mental unit are people who have gotten worse and have committed crimes. So the most popular affiliations that we get to discover people with mental illness are either at prison or when they break the law which is really sad because we wish to be able to help them at the early stage before it gets worse," he said.

“The early stage of mental disorder is when people are going through anxiety or depression.

He acknowledges OUM and Digicel for financing all of the expenses and their support of this endeavour which has been supported by the communities as a means of promoting mental health and wellness.