In an effort to break the stigma associated with mental health, the North Central Regional Health Authority successfully launched the first Stress Relief Centre in Trinidad and Tobago in 2018. Since its inception, over six thousand persons have received the necessary consultations and support.
“The Centre was launched to provide members of the public who are having difficulties coping with debilitating effects as a result of relationships, work, sexuality, school, abuse and other traumatic experiences, with an opportunity to seek professional help. At the Centre, persons are afforded a safe and comfortable environment to express themselves through talk therapy with a licensed psychologist, psychiatrist or mental health nurse, to identify triggers and find appropriate solutions.” stated Professor Gerard Hutchinson, Head of Psychiatry, NCRHA.
“The North Central Regional Health Authority, over the last few years, has pioneered a number of notable health outreach initiatives such as our Walk The Talk, Wound Care Clinic, Men’s Wellness and the Great Pap Smear Campaigns. These initiatives are strategically designed to provide preventative medical intervention, ultimately reducing the need for secondary or emergency care later on; and our Stress Relief Centre aims to deliver the same. Whether physical, mental or emotional health, we are committed to providing the necessary support to promote and ensure wellness among the citizens of Trinidad and Tobago.” NCRHA Chief Executive Office Davlin Thomas shared.
“Since its launch, the Centre has been bridging the gap between those needing, but lacking free access to mental health services by providing communities with an avenue to de-stress before their challenges develop into critical or harmful states. It’s equipped with competent and qualified staff, and specializes in holistic stress and management of traumatic stress disorders in order to treat effectively with issues such as depression, anxiety, and other medically related stress conditions.” Thomas added.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the need for mental health services increased significantly. Aside from the fear of contracting the virus, there were major changes to our daily lives in an effort to contain and reduce the spread of the virus. At our Stress Relief Centre, focus was put on those who were diagnosed with Covid-19, who lost a loved one to the virus, the general public, and additionally, healthcare workers who were experiencing anxiety, burnout and stigma from being on the forefront.
The Stress Relief Centre located on Endeavour Road, Chaguanas operates from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8:00am to 3:00pm on an appointment only basis. There is also an extension of the clinic located at the Women’s Centre, Mount Hope Women’s Hospital on Thursdays only.
The North Central Regional Health Authority remains committed to the delivery of quality healthcare for all and unwavering in its thrust to improve the lives of all its citizens as it strives to consistently be a force for good health.
