Dear Editor,
Guyanese feel alcoholism, domestic abuse, and dysfunctional relationships have the greatest impact on mental health. This is one of a number of findings of The Caribbean Voice’s fifth poll conducted last December.
Alcoholism, in particular, has a deleterious effect on the mental health of a family, not to mention the mental and physical wellbeing of the consumer. Also, alcoholism has significant effects on domestic problems.
As well, many respondents feel Government is not doing an effective job in addressing these issues. They suggest social workers and guidance counsellors go around and visit communities to address the many social problems that citizens face. These problems include alcoholism, drug use, domestic violence, suicide, child abuse, sexual abuse (including incest), stress and low self-esteem.
Below are the specific responses to the questions asked.
1. Do you think Government is doing enough to address social issues?
2. Do you think Guyanese are seriously affected mentally by the current political situation?
3. Do you think Guyanese are seriously affected mentally by the current economic situation?
4. Is the Government doing enough to address mental health?
This opinion poll interviewed 320 people at random, reflecting the demographics (41 per cent Indians, 30 per cent Africans, 18 per cent Mixed, 10 per cent Amerindians, one per cent other) of the population. The margin of error was five per cent.
Sincerely,
The Caribbean Voice
