Research will be conducted on the epidemiology and prevalence of mental illness in Samoa says the head of the Mental Health Unit at the Moto'otua Tupua Meaole's Hospital, Seiulialii Dr George Tuitama.

Seiulialii said the research will also be able to paint a picture on how data on the state of mental health in the country and they will be able to combat the prevalence of violence in the community and provide remedies for school brawls as well.

"Yes of course it is important to teach and talk about mental health, mainly self-control, anger management and identifying contributing factors, like existing mental problems, stressful lives at home and in communities," Seiuliali'i said.  

As an advocate for mental health awareness, Seiulialii said that it was important to work together with other institutions with similar portfolios. 

"I am working with organizations like the Salvation Army too. They can deal with some of the patients that I receive, as they have a pretty organised structure of mental practitioners," he said. 

Asked if there was a rise in patients since last year, the psychiatrist said that he had to check with authorities if he was allowed to give out that information. 

In an earlier interview with Seiulialii he made reference to young boys and girls not being able to express themselves freely. He said much of this had to do with culture.

He said there was a very important need to provide an avenue for young people to express themselves and share their thoughts. He said this was a good practice and would help in dealing with the mental health of the young and keep them away from substance abuse and suicide.

The psychiatrist also said that due to Samoans being church goers and believers in God, it was also important to him that the mental health awareness included spiritual development. 

"We cannot separate our spirituality from our physical well beings. When the spirit is healthy, so is the mind," he said. 

"That is why we should always check in on ourselves, to see if we are caring for our spiritual life, and by that I mean, are we remembering to tell our loved ones how much we appreciate them every day.

"Because when we encounter tragedies, like a pandemic for example, we would be less fearful of dying when we know deep down that we have done the deed of telling our loved ones how much we love and appreciate them."

The United Nations and World Health Organisation have incorporated mental health checkups in normal hospitals as well. This is a step Samoa is hoping to take as well as refurbish facilities so patients can be looked after well.