Persons Urged to End Stigma against Individuals Suffering from Mental Health Issues

Persons are being called on to end the stigma against individuals suffering from mental health issues and the misuse of substances, as this is a major stumbling block in the recovery efforts.

According to Substance Abuse Counsellor with the National Council on Drug Abuse (NCDA), Lyrris Williams, persons from all strata of the society are affected by the disorder, and some have been made worse because of the treatment they receive from community members.

“Persons who suffer from mental illness are fearful, so look at them as individuals, because if you see an individual, it changes how your mind is processed in the scenario. If you don’t see an individual, you are only going to see your fear,” she said, while addressing a mental health forum at the Kitson Town Seventh-day Adventist Church, in St. Catherine, on April 6.

She added that youngsters between 13 and 14 years old in high school are being diagnosed with serious mental issues, adding that some of them cannot cope because of the “constant stigma” that arises from names and castigations levelled at them.

“Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to treatment for those seeking mental health and addiction treatment,” she said, noting that the public health system offers free counselling and care but many do not seek help because of public lashing.

“Speak respectfully, focus on language that is clear and understandable, free of labels, such as cokeheads,” Miss Williams urged.

She underscored that it is important for individuals dealing with affected persons to know the facts through education and information about the issues, and what their behaviour and conduct should be.

“We have to change the narrative so that we can lessen our fears; we are all here to care and support. When people have a mental health condition, they need your support; they do not need you reminding them of what they worry about every day. Help people to find new activities,” Miss Williams told the audience.

The NCDA has a vision of striving relentlessly for a ‘Drug Free Jamaica’, in which the abuse of illicit substances is eliminated.

Its mission is to provide quality reliable information to policymakers, international partners and the general public about substance use and abuse in Jamaica, its nature, the extent, prevention, treatment, control and underlying problems that negatively impact nation-building.

The agency’s officers are dedicated to strengthening protective factors against substance abuse, in collaboration with diverse local and international organisations, through the implementation of treatment and prevention programmes.