It is my privilege to officially proclaim the start of Anti-Stigma Month.
Mental health touches every single one of us. It lives in our homes, our workplaces, our friendships, and within ourselves.
And yet, despite how common these experiences are, too many people still suffer in silence, held back not by their condition, but by the fear of being judged, dismissed, or misunderstood.
Let us be clear: stigma is real. It is not abstract. It shows up when someone chooses not to ask for help. It shows up when a person feels they must hide their struggle. It shows up when silence replaces support. And it can cost people their wellbeing, their opportunities, and in some cases, their lives.
The World Health Organization tells us that more than one billion people around the world are living with a mental health condition. That is not a distant statistic, it is a reflection of humanity. It is a reminder that mental health is not a niche issue. It is a shared human reality that demands our attention, our compassion, and our action.
Here in Bermuda, we see this truth up close. One in four of us will experience a mental health challenge in our lifetime. That means in every family, every workplace, every community gathering, someone is struggling, often quietly.
And we must confront another truth: stigma continues to shape whether people feel safe enough to seek help, to speak openly, or to fully participate in community life. That is not acceptable. Not in a community as close and caring as ours.
These are not just numbers. They are our sons and daughters. Our parents. Our colleagues. Our friends. They are people who deserve understanding, not judgment; support, not silence.
This is why Anti-Stigma Month matters. Because changing attitudes saves lives. Because creating space for honest conversations can be the first step toward healing. Because when we reduce stigma, we open doors to care, to connection, and to hope.
I want to extend my deepest appreciation to the Mental Health Anti-Stigma Group and all of its members, along with our partners across both public and private sectors. Your leadership, your advocacy, and your collaboration are helping to shift our culture in meaningful and lasting ways.
I also encourage everyone in our community to take part in the events planned throughout this month, through organisations such as the Bermuda Hospitals Board, the Youth Mental Health Team, Chrysalis, the Bermuda Public Service Union, and the Ministry of Youth, Social Development and Seniors and the Ministry of Health.
These initiatives are not just events; they are opportunities to learn, to listen, and to stand alongside one another.
The Ministry of Health remains firmly committed to breaking down stigma and ensuring that mental health is treated with the same seriousness, urgency, and compassion as physical health. There can be no true health without mental health.
So let this month be more than a proclamation. Let it be a turning point.
Let us build a Bermuda where no one feels ashamed to say, “I need help.”
Where no one is judged for their struggle.
And where every person knows they will be met with understanding, dignity, and care.
Together, we can replace stigma with support and silence with strength.
Thank you.