Mental Illness Awareness week aims to educate the public about the m e-quit.pgm any misconceptions surrounding what it means to be mentally ill -- one of which is the fact that those diagnosed cannot live healthy, normal lives.

Chief of psychiatry at St. Brendan's Hospital Dr. Hameen Markar said the main aim of Mental Health Week is to highlight what mental illness is and what are the different types of mental illness and also what are the treatments available and possible outcomes.

"There is a long standing misconception that if you have mental illness then you are finished and done with, you are at the end of the road. Mental Illness Week is aimed at changing that misconception and educating the public,'' Dr.

Markar said.

He added that 90 percent of mental illnesses have a positive outcome and are treatable.

"When a person suffers from diabetes or high blood pressure they have to take medication for a long period of time and this is the same for some mental illnesses but the important thing is they can function very well in the community leading normal family lives and having jobs.

"We also want to use this week to identify people who may be having mild illnesses such as stress related disorders early so they can be treated. We also want to destigmatise, as much as possible, issues of mental illness.'' Dr. Markar said the most common mental illness, all over the world, is depression. "Some statistics state that 20 to 25 percent of Bermuda's population suffers from depression and five percent receive adequate treatment.'' He added that some of the causes of depression are genetic, life events such as bereavement, moving house, divorce and stresses that are work-related or from family. "That sort of stress can cause depression.'' Dr.

Marker said there are several symptoms of depression that can be quite noticeable to a person known as `In Sad Cages'.

IN: lack of interest S: suicidal thoughts A: loss of appetite D: feeling depression C: lack of concentration A: lack of anhedonia (enjoyment) G: feelings of guilt E: lack of energy S: sleep disturbances "If you have six out of the nine continuously for at least two weeks or more then you should really be seeing someone.'' He added that there are also a number of physical conditions that accompany mental illness especially for people who have suffered from a stroke. "People who have suffered from a stroke are more likely to become depressed compared to a healthy person.'' Dr.

Markar said there will be several activities taking place this week -- which is also being celebrated in the US -- the first being a church service that took place at St. Paul's AME church on Sunday.

"We will also have a national depression screening day on Thursday, October 9 at the Bank of Butterfield on Reid Street.

"This will focus on educating the public about depression and they will also do written screening test to see whether they need to see a mental health professional for treatment.

'' However, this is not meant to give you a diagnosis. The screening will only identify whether on not you have symptoms.

"A mental health professional will also be there to provide literature and show a short video,'' Dr. Markar said.

He added that on Saturday, October 11 there will be an open house, where community groups will have their own display tables providing information, and a fair at St. Brendan's Hospital where the public will have a "rare opportunity to visit the hospital and be taken on guided tours, see video presentations on mental illness.

"The most important thing is that the public will have a chance to compare St. Brendan's today to what it was 30 years ago.

"The theme for the open house and fair is `Learn the Real Deal about Mental Illness'.'' Tours of the hospital will take place at 1 p.m. and will be followed by refreshments.

"From 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. there will be a community fair on the hospital grounds organised by the hospital and community groups. There will be food stalls, train rides, ferris wheel and lots of entertainment.'' Also on this day the King Edward VII Memorial quarterly CARE magazine will be launched and the first issue is dedicated to Mental Illness Awareness Week.

POTO LEARN THE FACTS -- Chief of psychiatry at St. Brendan's Hospital Dr. Hameen Markar.