First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for a fundamental change in how society perceives mental health, stating that seeking treatment must be recognised as an act of courage rather than a source of stigma.
Her remarks came during the opening ceremony of the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation, where she served as the chief guest.
Addressing an audience of over 250 local and international experts, the First Lady emphasised that mental well-being is deeply intertwined with human dignity and interpersonal hope. She urged the community to look beyond medical statistics and recognise the human stories of individuals—including anxious youth and overwhelmed parents—who require collective compassion.
"The well-being of every single one of them must matter to us," she said, noting that societal hesitation to seek help is the greatest hurdle to overcoming conditions like depression and trauma.
The First Lady expressed particular concern for the mental health of children and youth, citing academic pressure, domestic discord, and online influences as significant modern challenges. She advocated for early intervention rooted in love and care, asserting that a healthy future for the nation is contingent upon nurturing mentally resilient children.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, she noted that mental healthcare is a priority in the national health agenda, supported by the National Mental Health Strategic Plan running through 2029. She underscored the necessity of ensuring that these vital services are accessible across every island in the archipelago.
The two-day conference, held at the Maldives National University, serves as a collaborative platform for the eight SAARC member states to share research and develop regional solutions for mental health challenges.