In recognition of World Mental Health Day, the Ministry of Health and Wellness today (October 10) launched the ‘Do Your Share’ campaign for expansion of safe spaces to support mental health.

The campaign aims to remove the stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging people to share their stories and experiences with mental health issues.

To start the campaign, Health Minister Dr Christopher Tufton went to the Convent of Mercy Academy ‘Alpha’ for the unveiling of a donated wellness bench.

The bench is a designated area where students can share their stories about mental health with others and receive the necessary support.

This campaign is part of a collaboration with the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the Ministry of Education and Youth.

According to PAHO, mental health conditions have become more prevalent due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview with Clinical Psychologist Maja Heijmans-Goedschalk, she told PAHO that talking about mental illness is a good way to reduce stigma.

“The more often we can talk to each other about mental health, for example at the dinner table, on balconies, the less taboo this topic becomes. Understanding our emotions and how to recognise them also plays an important role at a young age,” said Heijmans-Goedschalk.

Persons all across the world are therefore encouraged to share their stories about mental health, using the hashtag #doyourshare.

The Health Ministry also has information about mental health that can be found on its website, moh.gov.jm.

Counselling for youngsters is also provided through the ministry’s U-Matter hotline.

Youth can connect with a U-Matter counsellor by messaging the word SUPPORT to U-Report at 876-838-4897 on WhatsApp and SMS (free for Flow customers); or @ureportjamaica on Instagram or Facebook Messenger.

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