Charge Nurse, Taniela Rasavuka at the Fiji National University’s World Mental Health Day celebrations

With the theme “Mental Health is a Universal Human Right”, students, staff and invited guests gathered to discuss mental health issues faced by young people and how collaborative efforts amongst all stakeholders could aid in coping with mental health issues.

Chief Guest at the event, Charge Nurse Taniela Rasavuka, said that mental health was not a privilege but a fundamental aspect of human dignity and should be accessible to all regardless of their background and circumstances.

“Just as we advocate for access to clean water, nutritious food and physical healthcare, we must also advocate for the right to mental well-being,” said Nurse Rasavuka.

“Mental health is indeed a universal human right, and our university should be a beacon of support and understanding in this regard. By working together, students and faculty can create an environment where everyone’s mental health is respected, protected and nurtured.”

Sera Osbourne from the Psychiatric Survivors Association also spoke at the event and shared that there were inequalities in access to mental health resources.

“Stigma, in particular, manifests in harmful stereotypes and discrimination, impeding access to the care and support people deserve,” said Osbourne.

“As students, we hold the power to challenge the status quo and drive positive change in our society.”

She encouraged attendees to dismantle stereotypes, advocate for equitable access to mental health services and champion the cause of mental health as a universal human right.

The Office of the Registrar’s, Department of Student Services Counselling Services will be holding various activities, such as “deskercise” and Dance and Mind Creative Games, at FNU campuses across the nation over the course of this month to commemorate World Mental Health Day.