Dear Editor,

It breaks my heart every time I hear about a person who has struggled with his/her mental health and has died by suicide, or about those who, while struggling mentally, inflict harm on others without provocation. These incidents force us to ask a difficult but pertinent question: What are we, as a society, going to do to confront these issues?

Like many other nations, Jamaica is plagued by the stigma surrounding mental health. Because of this stigma, many people are deterred from seeking the help they need. Cultural expectations, personal struggles, shame, and guilt have dissuaded many of our men and women from accessing support.

In my opinion, Suzette Buchanan, chief executive officer of Bellevue Hospital, has been doing an admirable job in recent times through her social media campaign. Through this initiative, she highlights the many facets of mental health — both the factors that promote mental wellness and those that deplete it.

As a man, one topic that particularly caught my attention was post-partum depression. It opened my eyes to aspects of welcoming a baby — or experiencing the loss of a child — that many of us are never educated about.

I recently heard about the tragic case of a mentally challenged 20-year-old mother who drowned her two-month-old baby at home — an incident that caused national heartbreak. It was only after the tragedy that she was brought in for treatment, but, by then, it was too late. A child’s life had been cut short by what many believe might have been avoided with earlier intervention and support.

Post-partum depression affects one in eight women, according to global health-related sources. Although the statistics are not significantly high, it is crucial for the requisite health care and support systems to be strengthened to support young mothers. It is also imperative for more men to be sensitised to this phenomenon, understand the associated signs, and become a strong shoulder for the women in their lives

I believe it is time for us to stand in the gap for those struggling with their mental health with love, compassion, and understanding. Too many families, colleagues, and friends are left broken trying to navigate pain and regret after unfortunate mental illness incidents occur.

In being our brother’s keeper, we should check on our friends and loved ones, as well as those we know are on a mental health programme, ensuring that they access their treatment on time. We should pay close attention not only to those already receiving mental health support but also to single mothers and fathers, parents dealing with child loss, and mothers who have recently given birth. Post-partum depression can last far longer than many people realise — sometimes up to three years.

Mental wellness is everyone’s responsibility. If we truly desire to lead emotionally healthy lives as a society, we must offer space, support, and understanding to those who need it most.

Daniel Knight

danielknight722@gmail.com