With today marking another celebration of World Mental Health Day, with the theme ‘Prioritising Mental Health in the Workplace’, human rights advocacy groups Stand Up for Jamaica and Jamaicans for Justice are urging employers and the Government not to gloss over the issue of mental health.

Underscoring the importance of stable mental health in work environments, the groups are also calling on employers to ensure the workplace is free from discrimination and stigma, as well as to help raise awareness about mental health in the workplace.

“It is not only vital for our well-being daily as we navigate stressful and hectic situations but is also essential for optimum productivity in the workplace,” SUFJ and JFF outlined in a joint release..

“The focus this year no doubt underscores the importance of having a safe and healthy working environment for employees in today’s fast-paced and demanding environment,’ they added.

According to the World Health Organisation, employees account for 60 per cent of the global population, hence the urgent need for measures to prevent risks to mental health while at work. To this end,  the groups encourage employers to collaborate with workers to ensure that the workplace is conducive towards stable mental health.

SUFJ and JFJ argue that having proper mental health is a fundamental human right, the issue has not been given enough attention by the Government. In fact, over the past years, there has been a growing increase in persons afflicted with mental health challenges in Jamaica.

“Mental health challenges on the island give rise to homelessness in some instances, as those who are affected often lack family support or support from the state. When people have a crisis and do not have any form of assistance they lose themselves, they lose their jobs, their families, and their house and end up in the streets. But while homelessness is alarming across the island there are limited shelters and places for intervention for those affected,” the organisations contended.

Additionally, SUFJ and JFJ highlighted that mental illness should be addressed as a matter of priority, especially for young people who should be assessed early for mental health challenges.

“The schools should engage in a robust campaign with the guidance counsellors playing a key role in early assessment and detection,” the organistions outlined.

“Our society as a whole is riddled with serious issues and situations which can trigger different types of mental health issues in our people; therefore, it is important that people are sensitised about mental health issues and where they can go to get the help that is needed,” they continued.

In this regard, they want the Government and other stakeholders to place greater focus on this issue and provide more resources into efforts to address the mental health matters. Moreover, they urged the Government not to forget those who are incarcerated with mental challenges.

“We note with great dismay the recent report in the media about six mentally challenged accused who have been in custody for years and were ruled unfit to plea had to be further detained by the Supreme Court, due to the lack of family support and the unavailability of state facilities to place them,” SUFJ and JFJ said.

“We urge the Government to again revisit its policy to incarcerate mentally challenged individuals who are in conflict with the law in correctional facilities. These persons must be placed in designated institutions that are better equipped and resourced to treat their conditions and to ensure that they are rehabilitated and are fit to face prosecution,” they concluded.