By Lear Matthews
Lear Matthews is professor, State University of New York, Empire State College. A former lecturer at the University of Guyana, his recently published book is “English Speaking Caribbean Immigrants: Transnational Identities”. He writes on Diaspora issues.
I agree that there is a correlation between a nation’s mental health and its economic development. This considers the state of emotional/behavioral health and its connection to socio-economic functionality. Although the government of Guyana published a National Mental Health Action Plan (2015-20), no serious attempt has been made to institute the plan.
While studies have found that economic crises have a negative effect on mental health, governments and academic institutions are urged to address the problem both in the way mental health can affect economic productivity and how mental health is an outcome of improvements in economic development. This article will address a neglected dimension of these relationships. I propose the centrality of cultural traditions and ethnic diversity as they relate to mental health and nation building in Guyana. Diaspora Organizations can contribute significantly to such a relationship.
African traditions which emphasize the role of the extended family, community interdependence and solidarity should be emphasized. ‘Sankofa’, an Akan (Ghanaian) word symbolizing the wisdom in learning from the past which ensures a strong future and the quest for knowledge based on critical examination and intelligent, patient investigation, should be taught. Likewise, aspects of East Indian (Hindu and Moslem) traditions that emphasize spiritual love, sacrifice and kindness should be encouraged, as well as the Amerindian (indigenous peoples of Guyana) tradition of Ma’iupe, which highlights inclusiveness, working together and solidarity. The influences of these multicultural beliefs and practices potentially characterize an introspection and respect for others that can be transformative and represents a unifying force yet to be realized.
A European (colonial) tradition which portrays ideals of Christian love, but paradoxically left as its legacy a system of social injustice and in some cases fragility of self-identity among its subjects, has had an indelible effect on their psychological well-being. Further, in the context of mental health assessment and intervention strategies, Euro-American cultural orientations adopted under colonialism place important value on competition for status, recognition and individualism as the foundation for maturity, healthy functioning and problem-solving. The legacy of such values/realities should be reconsidered as organizations pursue efforts to enhance culturally appropriate, evidence-based mental health treatment and prevention. In an attempt to sustain these heritage foundations, the Guyana Cultural Association Inc. continues to promote the concept of “bridging” among divergent groups both in the Diaspora and the home country, thus highlighting the potency of emotional/cultural connections. Aspects of this have had an enlightening and therapeutic effect on Guyanese at home and the Diaspora, many lauding the opportunity to keep in touch with their heritage and the socio-cultural vibrancy.
There are embedded ethnic, cultural, social and structural factors that impact behaviour such as suicide. When various groups work together on common goals, understanding and mutual respect emerge, extending tolerance and de-escalating unbridled competition. This tends to alleviate mental distress (persistent “worrying”) and facilitate cooperation and collaboration. Tolerance, mutual support and respect decrease social isolation, depression and anxiety. This would potentially reduce existing tensions and benefit a nation in the throes of political ambivalence, trying to manage the incipient influx of petrodollars, while avoiding socio-economic and psychological pitfalls. Mental health intervention, when needed, must be informed by culturally relevant economic realities.
A discussion of the tensions and socio-cultural disharmony created by ethnic divisions, which continues in Guyana is essential. In a recent edition of the Guyana Cultural Association Magazine, Professor Vibert Cambridge articulated this problem, stating “the core ideas that nourish ethnic mistrust have remained unchallenged”. Such tension, exacerbated by a history of political manipulation, has likely contributed to mental distress. In the effort to find solutions to this and other related problems, researcher and social worker Claudette Henry (University of Guyana) suggests that all forms of mental health problems, including the high rate of suicide, need the attention of multi-denominational religious and other organizations. This is likely to reinforce a system of multicultural healing that is essential for progress in a society that has been plagued by ethnic cleavage, political jostling and discord.
Those who have taken on the mantle of leadership must ensure a nation that is not mired in division, a culture of corruption and ‘crabs in a barrel’ mentality, ignoring the psycho-social pressures experienced by segments of the population. Instead, encouraging mutual support over social isolation becomes a feasible goal. As with so many social issues of the past, Guyanese must not revert to blaming ‘the other side’ because gaining political/ethnic advantage and favour matters more than reality, morality or ethical standards. This sustains a crisis of credibility and is never a good recipe for social cohesion. Mental health professionals at home and the diaspora, as well as policy makers must be free of any such conviction. They must ‘open up’ to a new generation, healthy in mind, body and spirit, setting an example for people of all ethnic/racial hues and social disposition, while validating all levels of human resources and productive capacity.
Diaspora organizations can be helpful in this proposed collective, collaborative effort. Their members who offer help are not to be feared, rather they need acceptance by both government and civil society. These organizations are at the epicentre for realizing an altruism that can assist in liberating local communities from material and psycho-social pressures. Their engagement activities can help to enhance mental health. Such activities must be informed by local community values, history, trends, level of stress, ability to manage nutritional and financial needs, behaviours and traditional folk healing practices. Those activities that may contribute to psychological stress, as well as those that enhance good mental health. Within this context, the intersectionality of ethnic cooperation, mental health and economic development must be recognized as a framework for social cohesion.