Not just ‘madness’: What’s been missed around mental health

For decades, the phrase ‘Mate just mad’ was a common dismissal of mental health issues in Saint Lucian society, reflecting a lack of understanding and pervasive stigma. However, recent years have seen a gradual shift, with mental health emerging as a critical topic in national discourse. The question arises: Are mental health conditions increasing, or is society finally acknowledging what has long been overlooked?