Parottee residents plead for mental health support

In the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which devastated the southwestern region of Jamaica on October 28, residents of Parottee in St Elizabeth are urgently seeking mental health assistance for their community. The category five storm has left not only physical destruction but also deep emotional scars among the populace. Petulia Evans, a local resident, shared her distress, noting the loss of personal belongings and the onset of physical symptoms like hypertension and dizziness. She also observed that many neighbors are visibly traumatized, with some losing weight and others talking to themselves due to the stress and grief. Fisherman Ronnie Bennett highlighted the severe impact on mental health, emphasizing that while relief efforts have provided essential supplies like food and water, psychological support remains critically lacking. Bennett himself suffered significant losses, including his boat and home, which were destroyed by the storm surge. Health authorities have acknowledged the long-term psychological effects of the disaster. Dr. Christopher Tufton, Minister of Health and Wellness, has announced plans to deploy field officers to identify communities in need of psychosocial support, in collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization. Additionally, the Jamaica Psychiatric Association and the Jamaica Psychological Society are mobilizing volunteers to assist in the hardest-hit areas. Dr. Saphire Longmore, a consultant psychiatrist, explained that many Jamaicans are experiencing grief over various losses, including homes, livelihoods, and a sense of security. She described the natural stages of grief that individuals may go through, emphasizing the need for comprehensive mental health support to help the community recover.