Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr Christopher Tufton, has reiterated the importance of mental wellness and stress management to achieve personal well-being.

Speaking to students and staff at the Montego Bay High School for Girls in St. James, on March 8, the minister emphasised the need for young people to actively cultivate a positive state of mind that has the power to shape one’s life experiences.

Tufton highlighted the significance of making such proactive choices to maintain mental wellness, pointing out that decisions to engage in activities, such as exercise, socialising, and healthy eating, can have a profound impact on overall mental health.

“The truth is, you can deal with stress in many different ways and what is important is for you to find your way to deal with it. Some of us may do exercise, meditation and sleep, but stress is something that we all have to deal with, because every one of us experiences it,” he noted.

“Focus on the journey that you are going to travel to overcome it, so you can be proud of yourself and make others feel proud of you,” added the minister.

Meanwhile, Tufton explained the concept of a “safe space”, describing it as a place where individuals can retreat to when feeling overwhelmed or stressed.

He unveiled a wellness bench at the institution, noting that it is a physical representation of a safe space and symbolises a spot where students can go to relax and de-stress.

“Wherever you are most comfortable is where you go when you have the greatest stress, because the idea is to de-stress and feel better about yourself,” Tufton said.

In addition to advocating for safe spaces, Dr. Tufton indicated that having a person to confide in during times of stress is also critical.

He said the value of having someone who can provide support and understanding without judgement, whether it be a “best friend, mother, teacher, guidance counsellor or principal”, can offer comfort and advice when it is most needed.

“So, focus on mental health. You have the power to control that. Find a safe space where you can go when you are most stressed and find a safe person who you can talk to about the challenges you have,” Dr. Tufton advised.

The visit formed part of the Government’s School Mental Health Literacy Programme and the #DoYourShare mental health campaign that further promotes wellness check-in at schools and other institutions.