标签： Jamaica

In anticipation of World Menopause Day on October 18, MPower, a Jamaican women-led advocacy group dedicated to transforming the dialogue around menopause in the Caribbean, is set to host an enlightening event titled ‘MPower Yourself.’ Scheduled for Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 5:30 pm at Scotiabank’s Corporate Learning Centre in Kingston, the evening promises to be a blend of education, storytelling, and community engagement for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause.

The highlight of the event will be the screening of the internationally acclaimed documentary, *The M Factor*. This film delves into the often-overlooked physical, emotional, and professional challenges women face during menopause, such as hot flashes, anxiety, weight fluctuations, and workplace discrimination. Featuring expert commentary from renowned medical professionals like Dr. Sharon Malone, Dr. Mary Jane Minkin (Yale), Dr. Wen Shen (Johns Hopkins), and Dr. Stephanie Faubion (Mayo Clinic and The Menopause Society), the documentary also sheds light on the unique experiences of women of color during this life stage.

Sacha Chung, an occupational therapist and co-creator of MPower, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, ‘This is not just a film screening; it’s a turning point for women in Jamaica. We want women to feel seen, informed, and confident in speaking about their health and demanding the support they deserve at home, in the workplace, and in healthcare settings.’

Following the screening, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in a live Q&A session with a panel of women’s health experts. Dr. Kudzai Dombo, a US-based OB-GYN and Menopause Society certified practitioner, will discuss the distinct ways menopause manifests in women of color. Dr. Dainia Baugh, president of the Heart Institute of the Caribbean, will explore the critical connection between menopause and cardiovascular health. Dr. Michelle Bailey, a reproductive health specialist at the Hugh Wynter Fertility Management Unit, will provide insights on maintaining sexual and reproductive wellness through mid-life and beyond.

Jodi Mair, a fitness professional and MPower co-founder, highlighted the event’s mission, saying, ‘Many women suffer in silence. This event is about breaking that silence and helping women feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being.’

MPower was founded by Sacha Chung, Jodi Mair, and entrepreneurs Elena Diedrick-Lynch and Leisha Wong, co-directors of Elle Creative. Together, they bring a wealth of expertise in wellness, advocacy, and storytelling, united by a shared commitment to creating spaces where women can feel informed, supported, and heard.

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.

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.