Mental health stigma remains a significant issue in the Pacific region, but there are signs of progress in the Cook Islands. Approximately 600 doctors, nurses, and health professionals from across the Pacific attended the Pasifika Medical Association Conference in Rarotonga, where mental health was a central topic of discussion.
Dr. George Tuitama, who oversees mental health services in Samoa, noted that ignorance and stigma still surround mental health in the region. Many people view mental health issues as “cursed beliefs” rather than health problems. The Cook Islands conducted a unique mental health study that surveyed about 10 percent of the nation’s population. Dr. Sam Manuela, who led the study, found that Cook Islanders born in the Pacific had better mental health outcomes than those born in New Zealand. There were fewer reports of severe depression symptoms in the Cook Islands compared to New Zealand.
However, the study also revealed an increase in young people in the Cook Islands reporting symptoms of anxiety and depression, consistent with global trends. Dr. Manuela noted that while stigma still exists in the Cook Islands, people are becoming more comfortable discussing mental health issues.
Dr. Jimmy Obed, Vanuatu’s first and only psychiatrist, highlighted the ongoing stress caused by back-to-back tropical cyclones in March and the approaching cyclone season. Dr. Sione Vaka from the University of Waikato emphasized the need for Pacific-based mental health services that align with indigenous ways of thinking and cultural values. He stressed the importance of building relationships and trust before addressing mental health concerns.
Dr. Tuitama emphasized the integration of spiritual, traditional, and cultural beliefs into mental health treatment, recognizing the significance of cultural backgrounds in providing comprehensive care for individuals with mental disorders.
While mental health stigma remains a challenge in the Pacific, conferences like the Pasifika Medical Association Conference offer opportunities to raise awareness, share knowledge, and foster a more supportive and inclusive approach to mental health care in the region. The progress made in the Cook Islands serves as an encouraging example of how mental health discussions are evolving across the Pacific.
