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ASSOCIATION OF ELDERLY RIGHTS & MENTAL HEALTH LAUNCHES 3. ‘SILENT SCREAM’ LETTER COMPETITION ON WORLD BIPOLAR DAY
Wednesday, 30 March 2022 –
The Association of Elderly Rights & Mental Health is launching its third ‘Silent Scream’ Letter Competition on March 30, World Bipolar Day.
The annual competition aims to raise awareness of the problems and needs of elderly people, and patients with mental health conditions; to increase their visibility in the community and to promote their rights. Participants are invited to write a letter about their experiences – or another person’s – relating to mental illness and/or elderly life.
Sponsored by Albank Ltd. and Asbank Ltd., entries will be accepted until 30 May, 2022, and cash prizes of 3,000TL, 2,500TL and 2,000TL will be awarded to the top three entrants.
Association Chairperson Prof. Dr. Hatice Jenkins said: “We are pleased to be launching our third Silent Scream Competition on World Bipolar Day, which is celebrated each year on March 30th, the birthday of Vincent Van Gogh, who was posthumously diagnosed as probably having a bipolar condition.”
“Bipolar is one of many mental conditions that people suffer, but, due to social stigma, lack of awareness, and insufficient access to mental health care, they suffer alone and are often undiagnosed. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 45 million people worldwide have bipolar disorder, which consists of both manic and depressive episodes separated by periods of normal mood. Effective treatments and psychosocial support are crucial. However, many patients in Northern Cyprus are prescribed medicines in an uncontrolled manner, and do not have access to treatment due to lack of social planning in areas of mental health,” she said.
“Our competition provides a private platform for people to make their voices heard and no longer scream in silence. If you are suffering or have suffered from a mental illness, or you are watching your loved ones suffer, or you have experienced or observed elderly neglect or abuse, or have had problems trying to care for elderly relatives, you are not alone. I invite you to share your stories and help raise awareness.”
“Thank you to our loyal sponsors Albank Ltd. and Asbank Ltd. for their invaluable contributions to this project,” she added.
Letters must be at least 250 words long, contain their name – or pseudonym – and contact number and be e-mailed to info@yaslihaklariveruhsagligi.org
Privacy of entrants will be protected. No participant’s letter, including the winning letters, will be shared with anyone without written and verbal consent from the entrant.
