First Lady Sajidha Mohamed called for mental health to receive equal priority alongside physical health today, during the opening of the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation at the Maldives National University.
Addressing the two-day gathering running through 2 November, the First Lady stressed that a truly healthy society cannot exist without mental wellbeing. She framed mental health not merely as a medical concern, but as an issue of human dignity, connection, and societal quality of life across present and future generations.
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Highlighting regional trends, she observed that mental health challenges are increasingly visible across all ages and demographics. The greatest burden for many sufferers, she noted, stems from silence, fear of judgement, and hesitation to seek support. She urged communities to replace stigma with compassion and view reaching out for help as an act of courage rather than weakness.
Speaking from her perspective as a mother, the First Lady raised specific concerns regarding the psychological strain facing youth. She pointed to academic pressure, societal expectations, family issues, and online influences as key burdens on young minds.
Addressing these challenges, the First Lady stressed, requires recognising distress, listening non-judgmentally, and responding with care, with the responsibility taking root at home before extending to schools and the wider community. She further advocated for targeted research into youth mental health, noting that scientific excellence must consistently be paired with human empathy.
Detailing domestic policy, the First Lady highlighted the administration’s integration of mental health into the core national healthcare framework. Central to these initiatives is the National Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which prioritises destigmatization, early intervention, refined referral networks, and primary healthcare integration.
She also cited the ongoing work of the National Mental Health Department and the State’s 24-hour crisis helpline, emphasising that no resident should face barriers to timely support due to geographic location, with national progress judged by improved lives.
The First Lady commended frontline professionals across psychiatry, psychology, counselling, nursing, social work, education, and community healthcare, while acknowledging the Maldives National University for advancing domestic capabilities through research and clinical training.
Stressing that psychological conditions transcend national borders, she concluded by calling for stronger regional cooperation, expressing hope that the conference will foster durable partnerships, collaborative studies, and concrete initiatives across the region.
