The emotional cost of mental illness entering a family can be high and family members can be deeply affected.

The Fiji Alliance for Mental Health says mental illness can affect a persons’ daily life, relationships and even physical health.

FAMH Secretary, Thelma Nabukavou says mental health includes our emotional, psychological and social well-being as it affects how we think, feel, and act.

“If someone is attempting or committing suicide every 36 hours as is the case in Fiji then surely something is wrong. We need to address the issue. We need to make people understand that there are services available. Mental health is not a joke. In our society, in the Pacific culture, we turn to make fun of mental health.”

Nabukavou is calling on the public to look out for extreme mood changes, withdrawal from the public and sleeping problems can be some signs of mental health.

“Please look after yourself. Mental Health is just not about reading a piece of paper and saying okay – this is mental health. No. It’s about you getting enough rest. It’s about good food. It’s about having good friends around you. Good vibes. It’s a balanced lifestyle, sharing, and self-care.”

Mental health can cover a broad range of disorders but the common characteristic is that they all affect a person’s personality, thought processes or social interactions.