First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has called for mental health to receive the same importance as physical health, saying a healthy society cannot exist without mental wellbeing.
She made the remarks at the opening of the 16th International Conference of the SAARC Psychiatric Federation at the Maldives National University (MNU).
The two-day conference is being held on 1 and 2 November.
First Lady Sajidha said mental health was not simply a medical issue but was closely linked to human dignity, relationships and quality of life.
She noted that mental health challenges were becoming increasingly visible across the region, affecting people of all ages and backgrounds. However, she said stigma, fear of judgement and reluctance to seek help often made it harder for people to access support.
She called for a society where seeking mental health support was seen as an act of courage rather than weakness, with compassion and understanding replacing stigma.
Speaking as a mother, the First Lady expressed particular concern about the mental wellbeing of children and young people, highlighting the pressures arising from academic demands, social expectations, family difficulties and online influences.
She stressed the importance of recognizing signs of distress, listening without judgement and responding with care. Building emotional resilience among young people, she said, was a shared responsibility of families, schools and communities.
Highlighting the Maldives' efforts, First Lady Sajidha said the government had given greater attention to mental health as part of its national health agenda.
She pointed to the National Mental Health Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029, which aims to reduce stigma, encourage early help-seeking, improve referral systems and integrate mental health services into primary healthcare.
She also highlighted the work of the National Mental Health Department and the dedicated 24-hour mental health helpline, stressing that access to timely support should not depend on where a person lives.
The First Lady also acknowledged the work of mental health professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, counsellors, nurses, social workers, educators and researchers. She commended MNU for strengthening national capacity through education, professional training and research.
She called for more research into mental health challenges affecting children and young people, saying effective mental healthcare required both scientific expertise and compassion.
Concluding her remarks, she highlighted the need for regional cooperation, noting that mental health challenges crossed national borders.
First Lady Sajidha expressed hope that the conference would lead to stronger professional partnerships, collaborative research and practical initiatives to improve people's lives.
