In June 2024, Dynamis Training travelled to the Caribbean to serve as trusted adviser and coach to the Ministry of Health in Trinidad and Tobago. Our mission: to improve outcomes for individuals experiencing emotional or psychological disturbances when they interact with public service staff. The collaboration represented a step towards improving approaches to mental health care in the nation.
Dynamis as coach and trusted adviser
As coaches, we worked closely with the Ministry of Health to develop a comprehensive training programme that addressed the unique challenges faced by public service staff in Trinidad and Tobago. As trusted advisers, we maintained a collaborative approach, ensuring that our expertise complemented local knowledge and cultural nuances. This partnership allowed us to tailor our proven methodologies to the specific needs of Trinidad and Tobago, creating a programme that was both effective and culturally relevant.
Transforming approaches and perspectives
The training programme brought about significant changes in how participants approached interactions with individuals experiencing mental health disturbances. Key changes included:
Shift from Control to Compassion
Participants moved away from a control-oriented approach to one centred on empathy and understanding. **As one participant noted, “When differences divide us, treating each other with dignity by showing respect establishes common ground.”
De-escalation as a Primary Tool
The emphasis on verbal de-escalation techniques led to a fresh understanding of how to reduce physical interventions.
Recognition of Mental Health Complexities
Training deepened participants’ understanding of mental health issues and the distress that people can suffer, leading to more nuanced and appropriate responses. **As one Healthcare representative remarked: “Once you have [different phases of crisis behaviour] in mind, you can actually tell where that individual is at, and be with them accordingly.”
Cultural shift and long-term impact
The ripple effects of this training programme will contribute to shifts in how mental health is perceived and addressed in Trinidad and Tobago, including:
Reduced Stigma
As public service staff adopt more compassionate approaches, it’s anticipated this will help reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues in the broader community.
Improved Public Trust
The new approach is likely to foster greater trust between public services and individuals with mental health concerns, potentially leading to earlier and more effective interventions.
Systemic Change
By influencing key stakeholders across various public services, the programme sets the tone for positive changes in policies and procedures related to mental health care.
Looking Ahead
The success of this initiative in Trinidad and Tobago serves as a model for potential expansion to other Caribbean nations. As we continue to refine and adapt our approach, Dynamis remain committed to our role as coaches and partners in improving mental health outcomes globally.
Our work in Trinidad and Tobago is just the beginning. By continuing to work closely with local partners and adapting our methods to meet specific cultural needs, we aim to create lasting positive change in how societies view and treat individuals with mental health disturbances.
