Threats, injury, damage! Incidents with mentally ill persons rising
The Royal Virgin Islands Police Force (RVIPF) has recorded an increase in incidents involving mentally ill persons.
According to a recent media release from the RVIPF, the police attended 15 incidents in the last three weeks where either “family members and neighbours were seriously injured, threatened or had to be rescued from a mental health patient”.
The police said household items were also destroyed and law enforcers has had to take most of the patients to the Behavioural Ward at the Dr D Orlando Smith Hospital.
Two of the 15 recorded incidents involved persons coming to the Road Town Police Station, and according to the RVIPF, “both were incoherent and one was carrying an imitation firearm”.
Seek help at the first sign of unusual behaviour
Meanwhile, the increase in these types of incidents has prompted the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Jacqueline Vanterpool to urge family members of mentally ill patients or those showing signs of mental illness to seek assistance at the first indication of unusual behaviour.
“Stress levels in the territory are high with the onset of the recent COVID-19 outbreak. This can lead to more conflict with those suffering with chronic mental illness. It is important that caregivers are sensitive and responsive to these signs ahead of the crisis and get the necessary help,” Vanterpool stated.
Family members needing assistance or an initial mental health assessment can contact the Mental Health Unit at 284-852-7675 or the Psychosocial Hotline 284-541-2383.
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vip stress syndrome
C***y, K****a, B***y. Someone do something before them hurt themselves.
Where or who do you turn to for help? There are no mental health facilities because taking care of the mentally ill are not high priority for this government or past governments. Social issues have always taken a back seat to concrete, heavy equipment and buildings. A developing country should be concerned with Health, Education and the Environment. When these infrastructure are strong the economy thrives and investors are attracted to our shores. All these high paid consultants that government have don’t have integrity and is only interested in themselves and how much money they can pocket. They have the country at a standstill. Andrew Fahie wake up.
Blame Albert and Health minister!