Students Urged to Create Balance Between Academics and Social Life

Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen, is encouraging students to protect their mental wellness by maintaining a balance between academics and their social life.

In a speech read by Custos of Kingston, Hon. Steadman Fuller, at an adolescent mental health workshop at the British High Commission in St. Andrew on Wednesday (November 26), the Governor-General outlined several strategies to help students focus and safeguard their mental health.

He advised them to set boundaries and learn to say no to non-essential commitments.

“Not everything requires your immediate attention,” he said, noting that it is perfectly acceptable to step back from situations that are not in their best interest.

The Governor-General told the youngsters in attendance that having a trusted individual they can go to when they feel overwhelmed, whether it be a parent, teacher, friend, or counsellor, is also key.

“Sharing your feelings is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign and act of courage,” he pointed out.

He further urged them to prioritise rest, noting that everyone needs some “downtime to recharge”.

“Simple things like taking a walk, listening to music or enjoying a hobby can reduce stress and improve focus,” he said.

The Governor-General advised them not to compare themselves to others as everyone’s journey is different.

“Celebrate your progress, however small, and avoid measuring your success against others. Growth happens at your own pace,” he told the gathering.

The Governor-General also told the students to seek help when they need it, as asking for support is “one of the smartest and bravest decisions you can make”.

He noted that there are counsellors, teachers, and health professionals at their school who are ready to guide them.

The adolescent mental health workshop was organised by the Chevening Alumni in Jamaica in partnership with the British High Commission and held under the theme ‘Empowering Minds, Building Resilience, Supporting Adolescents on the Academic Journey”.

It sought to provide practical, evidence-based interventions that strengthen adolescent well-being through awareness, education, and early support.

The Governor-General said that the workshop was an opportunity for participants to listen, learn, and come up with practical steps that can transform the academic and emotional journeys of young people.

He said that by investing in the mental resilience of young people “we are investing in Jamaica’s future stability, growth, and excellence”.