The island launched Mental Health Anti-Stigma Month with a series of events, opening with the recognition that “it’s OK to talk about it”.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said getting comfortable opening up on the topic was still cause for hesitation or shame for all too many residents.

She called it an issue that “touches every single one of us — it lives in our homes, our workplaces, our friendships and within ourselves”.

“Yet, despite how common these experiences are, too many people still suffer in silence, held back not by their condition but by the fear of being judged, dismissed or misunderstood.”

Ms Wilson added: “Stigma is real. It’s not abstract. It shows up when someone chooses not to ask for help, when someone feels they must hide their struggle, when silence replaces support.

“It can cost people their wellbeing, their opportunities and sometimes costs their lives.”

With one in four people in Bermuda subject to a mental health challenge at some point in their lives, stigma is “not acceptable”, she said.

Vakita Basden, the ministry’s mental health programme co-ordinator, said the month of activities meant “building a community where mental health is understood, respected and openly discussed”.

She added: “Today is not just about marking the start of a series of events. It’s about making an important shift in how we view mental health and reducing stigma, beginning with conversations like this, with people coming together, listening and learning from one another.”

Ms Basden said the weeks ahead would offer opportunities to advance that mission. Opening on awareness and understanding, it follows with “Youth Voices Matter” in the second week.

Ms Wilson said focusing on youth mental health awareness was “critical because early experiences shape lifelong wellbeing”.

“When young people understand their mental health and feel safe to talk about it, they are far more likely to seek help early, build resilience and avoid more serious challenges later in life,” she added.

“Just as importantly, addressing stigma at a young age helps create a generation that is more open, supportive and equipped to look after themselves and one another.”

Week three covers mental health in the workplace, while week four will offer the chance to talk about mental health and ageing, followed by a week of “Unity and Celebration” with a community fair at noon on May 29 on the City Hall lawn.

Aminah Simmons, a chairwoman of the mental health anti-stigma initiative, said: “If you know me, you know I’m not someone who likes to beat around the bush, or say things simply because they sound nice.

“Today, I’m going to challenge you — because mental health is a very serious issue in Bermuda.

“Too many people still feel they have to struggle in silence. Too many people are afraid to ask for help because they fear judgment, being misunderstood or being treated differently.

“This is what stigma does. It isolates people when what they need the most is connection.”

Ms Simmons said the month of campaigning was aimed at “changing the reality — choosing courage over comfort, speaking when silence would be easier, choosing to challenge your own beliefs when assumption feels the most familiar and showing compassion when someone is at their most vulnerable”.