Mental health in Aruba is becoming an increasingly urgent issue. For many years, this topic has remained outside public debate and political decision-making, despite the fact that all social problems relational violence, addiction, work stress, and family issues—are directly connected to mental health. Last week, parliamentarian Eduard Pieters of the PPA faction met with the board of the Aruban Psychologists Association (PAU) to hold an in-depth discussion about the current state of mental health on the island.
A clear and strong vision
During the meeting, psychologist Dimitri Halley, president of PAU, shared a clear and strong vision: Aruba urgently needs structural changes in its mental health system. According to Halley, much work remains to be done to give psychology the place it truly deserves within both the healthcare system and society.
PAU’s goal is simple yet ambitious: to unite psychologists in Aruba to strengthen the profession and lead the development of mental health in the community.
“We feel that major changes are needed in the structure, system, and content of the field,” Halley stated. “There is a serious gap in this area. If we look honestly, every social problem is related to mental health.”
Social stigma as the biggest obstacle
One of the biggest obstacles to progress in Aruba is social stigma. Many people still believe that going to a psychologist means a person is “crazy.” According to Halley, this perception is harmful and prevents many from seeking the professional help they need.
“In international sports, we see that the best athletes in the world work with psychologists to strengthen their concentration, discipline, and performance,” Halley explained. “Psychology is a powerful tool for human development. It is not only for when problems are severe; it is for guidance, prevention, and helping people grow.”
The position of psychology in the medical system
Halley also raised concerns about the position of psychology within the medical system. According to him, there is still a lack of real recognition of the crucial role psychologists can play in comprehensive healthcare. Psychiatrists mainly focus on the biological and chemical aspects of mental disorders, treating issues at a neurological and pharmacological level. Psychologists, however, work more deeply on emotional trauma, human behavior, cultural context, spirituality, and social dynamics.
For Halley, both disciplines must work together to achieve the most complete care for the population. However, the current structure does not always reflect the balance needed to accomplish this.
Social model as a major pressure factor
Beyond the medical system, Halley raises a deeper question about Aruba’s social model itself. According to his analysis, today’s Aruba is no longer the same शांत and relaxed island it once was. Economic pressure, tourism growth, materialism, and an increasingly fast-paced lifestyle are creating an environment that can negatively impact community mental health.
“We used to know Aruba as the ‘One Happy Island,’” Halley reflected. “But if we are honest with ourselves, that happiness cannot be sustainable if we lose peace and tranquility in our daily lives. A society that lives only to generate more money and more consumption is not necessarily a healthy society.”
Rising addiction to medication
Another serious warning Halley shared is the growing addiction that often goes unnoticed: dependence on medication. While public debate often focuses on illegal drugs or alcohol, he warns that addiction to prescribed pills is becoming an increasingly serious issue in society. Excessive use of medication for anxiety, pain, or insomnia is rising and can create dependency that is difficult to control.
“This problem is growing silently,” Halley noted. “And we must address it very seriously.”
For Halley, the meeting with parliamentarian Pieters was an important step. He expressed surprise that a parliamentarian took the time to explore this issue in depth, something he says does not happen often.