Mental Health

Post Aruba emits its stamps emission “Mental Health” on October 10, 2023, which is World Mental Health Day.

World Mental Health Day 2023 is an opportunity for people and communities to unite behind the theme ‘Mental health is a universal human right” to improve knowledge, raise awareness and drive actions that promote and protect everyone’s mental health as a universal human right. It is an international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

This emission was designed by Mrs. Diana Hopman Betjes of DCB Art and consists of 4 stamps of the following values: 100c, 220c, 320c, 420c.

The interpretation of the designer about the theme revolves around exercising in and around Aruba’s blue Caribbean Sea and how it is a powerful helping tool in our mental wellbeing.

Regular exercise can have a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, and ADHD. It also relieves stress, improves memory, helps you sleep better, and boosts your overall mood. So, exercise can improve your mental health and here on Aruba swimming in the warm Caribbean waters is very beneficial. Swimming decreases anxiety, and exercise therapy in warm water can decrease depression and improve mood in both men and women. It also helps you take your mind off things, while you are busy with your breathing pattern and counting laps, for example.

The blue sky and blue water also helps us. “Blue Mind” is a term associated with water-related calm and peace. This science tells us that as humans, we are naturally drawn to blue spaces. This leads to a feeling of wellness and peace when we are in or around bodies of water.

Walking along the beaches of Aruba does not just boost your physical health – it also helps your mental health.

While we swim, almost all of the senses are engaged: sight, sound, touch and smell. It is one of the rare distractions from technology. In addition, the “screenless” atmosphere alleviates stress and encourages relaxation and creativity. Also, the feeling of water moving over our body creates a massage-like sensation. In short, swimming helps us release pent-up tension and also makes us more mindful of our surroundings.

About the artist and her work:

Diana Hopman Betjes has been living on Aruba for more than 30 years and has been painting for 25 years.

For the last 10 years she has been using different parts of maps, stamps, magazines and encyclopedias as a backdrop to paint on. This technique was also used in the design of this year’s mental health stamps. The 4 different stamps are all painted in acrylic paint on blue recycled maps.

100c – Let go
Openly expressing how you feel, reclaiming your power, making room for new experiences, and focusing on the lessons are a few ways to let go of emotional pain. If you're having a difficult time letting go, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional.

220c – Breath
Practicing breathing exercises and mindfulness can lead to better mental health and positive emotions and alleviate stress and depression. Breathing exercises also allow you to think more clearly and reduce feelings of anxiety.

320c – Refresh
Meditating, writing your thoughts on paper, go for a long walk, take a bath or go for a swim, do some hobby, unplug from social media. All are ways to refresh your mind.

420c – Feel Free
Accept and love yourself, don’t worry about what others think.

If you detach from the expectations of others, you will feel freedom from judgements of others.

You should be guided by your own thoughts and choice. You should have and feel the freedom.