Mental health is essential for a healthy, productive, and dignified existence. Individuals feel a profound sense of well-being when their lives are stable and secure, experiencing harmony between mind and body. The joy of feeling calm and relaxed, and the satisfaction of progressing towards one’s goals, is invaluable.
People who feel stable, without significant upheavals in daily life, often experience deep emotions and a healthy pride. They are ready to care for themselves, their families, and their communities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared October 10 as 'World Mental Health Day,' defining it as a state of well-being where individuals are aware of their own capabilities, can handle the normal stresses of life, work productively, and contribute to their communities.
Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. Anything that disrupts this balance can negatively impact our lives and those of others.
Mental health is crucial; without it, our ability to learn, care for ourselves and others, and make decisions is compromised, potentially leading to regrettable actions.
It has been stated: 'Without mental health, there is no health.' It shapes our thoughts and actions, controls impulses, generates positive ideas, and enhances our perceptions and emotions.
Emotional stability significantly contributes to achieving personal goals. A well-organized mind, nourished and calm, enables individuals to face difficulties, manage conflicts, and enhance productivity, facilitating social participation. There is happiness in feeling useful and willing to help others!
In 1982, during the 3rd Dominican Congress of Psychiatry, I publicly requested President Salvador Jorge Blanco to designate December 1 as 'Mental Health Day' in honor of Father Billini. The president accepted our request and issued Decree No. 463. Subsequently, this date was designated as 'World AIDS Day.' Later, WHO established October 10 as 'World Mental Health Day.'
Last year, we published an article titled 'Stop: Mental Health' on this date, advocating for collaboration among various sectors—Ministry of Public Health, universities, media, Dominican Society of Psychiatry, Dominican Medical Association, Dominican College of Psychologists, churches, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Labor, and others—to foster a strong awareness on this issue.
Due to ignorance and lack of attention, behavioral patterns are changing, leading to consequences that increasingly affect individuals and society.
Given the significance and repercussions of mental health in daily life, many colleagues and I believe that October should be declared 'Mental Health Month.'
We are aware of the importance of raising awareness about the significance of mental health for human life and committing ourselves to its importance and utility for the well-being of Dominicans.
With all due respect, we make two requests to the President of the Republic, Lic. Luis Abinader Corona: