The South Pacific island of Tuvalu stands as one of the most remote nations on the planet. The population of 11,000 has faced many challenges due to their remoteness and economic struggles, such as changing weather patterns and lack of access to resources to improve the quality of life for its people.

Threats of Isolation

A current and life-threatening issue for Tuvalu and its government in recent years has been the with impending effects of the weather changing patterns. Surrounded by nothing but the roaring sea, the worsening elements slowly rip Tuvalu apart. A study highlighted the direct links between weather issues and mental health, as a result of people fear toward the issue. The impact of such stress can cause an increase in heightened cases of psychological distress and increased rates of psychiatric disorder, alongside issues such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol abuse.

Lack of Access to Mental Health Care

Although direct informative links detail mental health statistics, there is limited knowledge and support for islanders affected by various mental health issues. Although laws exist protecting those suffering from mental health, medical support nears nothing. No mental health hospitals stand on the island, nor do mental health nurses or psychiatrists assist those suffering. The remoteness of the Island heavily contributes to the lack of resources. There is a great lack of nurses and doctors, specifically zero mental health nurses and psychiatrists to treat and administer help for mental health issues for the 11,000-strong population.

The rates of mental health issues in Tuvalu compared to other nations appear relatively low. The lack of support and medical financing likely causes lower rates of mental health conditions. For depressive rates, 3.1% of the population has received a diagnosis with depressive disorders as of 2015, a stark difference from a nation such as Australia which sits at 5.9%, a nation with much more support for those with mental health issues. Although no direct links seem to exist between mental health and poverty, the two fail to assist each other well. If the people struggle, the country continues to struggle. Due to the small size of Tuvalu, there is a risk of those with mental health issues being forgotten about, as there is a lack of resources to help them.

Mental Health and Poverty

Various studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between mental health and poverty; with there being various reasons pertaining to why, such as depression and anxiety being the most common. Due to Tuvalu’s geographical location, natural disasters heavily affect it. Due to the remoteness of Tuvalu, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding poverty and issues such as homelessness which is a contributing factor to mental health across the globe. However, some research suggests there is a strong correlation between these two issues.

Financial Aid for Tuvalu

Despite the harsh, current conditions that Tuvaluans are experiencing, largely related to a change in the weather patterns, in 2021, The World Bank directors approved a $17.5 million commitment which would give Tuvalu greater and important access to essential resources, which may alleviate mental stresses due to changing weather. The money also aims to improve access to education for the children of Tuvalu, specifically children with disabilities. Additionally, the aid will help improve public health, funding it appropriately.

New Zealand has a long friendship with Tuvalu, assisting it and its economy in many ways; particularly through trading and hopefully the help will allow Tuvalu to further thrive. The combined efforts of the Tuvaluan government, organizations and countries alike are slowly relieving the strain on the economy and may help address mental health challenges as well.

Initiative to Address Mental Health

Alongside the financial assistance, the nation has received $15 million in grants to fund its health service. The money largely aims to improve general health services but will also assist those who suffer from mental health issues in Tuvalu. The grant could allow the nation to build a new ward in the capital’s hospital and from that, possess the ability to help hundreds more people. Mental health issues are often worsened through general suffering, disease and stress. Hopefully, the financial support can alleviate these issues.

– Lily Thornhill
Photo: Flickr