分类： health

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Dr. Alfred Dawes, the Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, has issued a compelling call to action for Jamaicans and policymakers to confront the nation’s escalating mental health crisis. Speaking on World Mental Health Day, Dr. Dawes emphasized that mental health is a cornerstone of individual dignity, societal well-being, and national progress. He highlighted the alarming reality that countless Jamaicans are silently enduring mental health struggles due to systemic neglect and pervasive stigma.

In his statement, Dr. Dawes underscored the dire state of mental health services in Jamaica, which remain critically underfunded and understaffed. He lamented the societal tendency to dismiss or penalize individuals grappling with mental health issues rather than offering support. ‘Behind every statistic is a face, a family, and a future that can be transformed or tragically cut short depending on how we respond,’ he remarked.

Dr. Dawes pointed to the compounded mental health challenges exacerbated by violent crime, economic instability, and natural disasters, which have left deep psychological scars across the nation. He stressed that the theme of this year’s World Mental Health Day, ‘Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,’ is particularly relevant for Jamaica.

To address the crisis, Dr. Dawes advocated for a paradigm shift in the country’s approach to mental health. He called for the integration of mental health services into primary care, increased funding in the national health budget, and the prioritization of mental health in policy discussions. Additionally, he urged citizens to foster a culture of openness and mutual support, emphasizing that seeking help should be seen as an act of courage.

‘On this World Mental Health Day, I call on every Jamaican to look out for one another, to speak openly about mental health, and to demand better from those entrusted with our well-being. For without mental health, there is no true health,’ Dr. Dawes concluded.

The Jamaica Psychiatric Association has emphasized the importance of robust support systems for individuals experiencing suicidal ideation. In a recent media release, the association addressed the alarming rise in suicide cases across the nation and outlined actionable steps for those in distress, as well as their families and friends, to seek help and access available resources.

Jamaica’s healthcare infrastructure is set for significant improvements as the government moves forward with long-awaited projects, including a new operating theatre at the Noel Holmes Hospital in Hanover and upgrades to the Savanna-la-Mar Public General Hospital in Westmoreland. Regional Director for the Western Regional Health Authority (WRHA), St Andrade Sinclair, announced that the tender process for the operating theatre will commence this Saturday. The project, which has been in the pipeline for over a decade, aims to replace the hospital’s original theatre, which has been non-operational for nearly 30 years. Health Minister Dr. Christopher Tufton emphasized the government’s commitment to funding the initiative, which is expected to begin in 2024. In addition to the theatre, plans are underway to address overcrowding and space limitations at the Savanna-la-Mar Hospital through a $1-billion project to construct a new accident and emergency (A&E) department. The three-phase initiative will include a diagnostic area, laboratory, and expanded bed spaces. Minister Tufton also highlighted efforts to resolve a non-functioning sewage system installed in 2016, with procurement for a new contractor currently in progress. The government aims to finalize the contract by the end of the year, ensuring the hospital’s facilities are fully operational.

KINGSTON, Jamaica — Societal stigma surrounding mental health issues often deters men from seeking timely help, leading to critical situations and, in some cases, tragic outcomes. Dr. Bridget Opiavbe, a consultant psychiatrist at Bellevue Hospital, is urging men to break the silence and prioritize their mental well-being. ‘Men typically exhibit poorer health-seeking behaviors, associating strength with self-reliance and emotional control. Admitting to mental health struggles is often perceived as a sign of weakness, causing them to delay seeking help until a crisis occurs,’ Dr. Opiavbe explained in an interview with JIS News on Thursday. She emphasized that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of wisdom. Dr. Opiavbe highlighted the role of societal labels in perpetuating this issue. Men expressing vulnerability are often labeled as ‘soft’ or ‘unstable,’ leading to feelings of shame and reluctance to seek support. However, she noted a positive shift in recent years, with more men acknowledging their mental health challenges and exploring ways to address them. Social media has played a pivotal role in this change, with prominent figures openly discussing their mental health struggles, helping to normalize the conversation. Dr. Opiavbe pointed out that men often mask their distress through behaviors traditionally associated with masculinity, such as anger, irritability, overworking, or substance abuse. These behaviors, she explained, often conceal deep emotional pain. She urged loved ones to recognize these signs and gently encourage men to seek help. ‘Early intervention is crucial. Waiting until a crisis occurs can have devastating consequences,’ she stressed. Globally, men die by suicide up to four times more frequently than women, with Jamaica reflecting a similar trend. Dr. Opiavbe called for increased mental health education and open conversations to destigmatize seeking help. ‘We are all vulnerable, and help is available. We don’t have to suffer in silence,’ she concluded. Jamaica is observing Mental Health Awareness Week from October 5 to 12, with World Mental Health Day being marked today.