Dr Damon Ashworth, Clinical Psychologist, chats with Dr Jimmy Obed, Psychiatrist about mental health in Vanuatu. 

They discuss: 

1. What led to Dr Obed's interest in psychiatry

2. What's the difference between a psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse or life coach

3. How mental illness has been historically perceived and managed in Vanuatu

4. When the mind care clinic began in Vanuatu and how big the team is

5. What the mind care clinic does to help out individuals, their families, and their communities

6. What the most common mental health difficulties in Vanuatu are

7. The main differences between gas and anxiety or panic attacks

8. When medication is most useful or necessary

9. How therapy, or non-medication strategies help

10. The help that is offered to people who cannot make it to Port Vila hospital for an assessment or treatment

11. How home visits help and how they can reduce inpatient hospital stays

12. The type of support provided to people with mental health concerns on the other islands of Vanuatu outside of Efate

13. If there still an issue with stigma or discrimination towards people with mental health difficulties in Vanuatu

14. What someone can do if they are feeling stressed or worried or know a family member or friend who doesn't seem to be coping too well

15. What Dr Obed's hopes are for the future of mental health and psychiatry in Vanuatu