PEOPLE living with mental health challenges must be heard, understood and supported, rather than judged by their experiences, a mental health advocate told a community gathering in Wailoku yesterday.
Aca Tamanitoakula, a representative of the Psychiatric Survivors Association of Fiji, shared his personal journey of surviving mental illness during the World Mental Health Day celebration at the Marata Wellness Centre, urging the community to change how it views and responds to people experiencing mental health challenges.
“Sometimes we tend to ask what is wrong with this person and not what this person needs from us,” he said.
Mr Tamanitoakula also stressed that a person’s experiences should not define their identity.
“My experiences is not part of my story.”
The event was organised by the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Social Welfare, Empower Pacific and the Ministry of Employment under the theme “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change”.
Chief guest Sainimere Gadai, a lecturer under the Ministry of Health and Medical Services, highlighted the importance of raising mental health awareness and listening to people with lived experience.
“We are privileged to have you today; you are a living testament,” she said.
“Your stories are not just about survival, but they are blueprint for systematic reforms.”
The program included awareness sessions and talanoa with members of the Marata community on mental health, stigma and access to support services, encouraging open conversations and greater understanding of mental health issues.
