KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition Spokesperson on Health and Wellness, Dr Alfred Dawes, has issued a stern warning that Jamaica’s ongoing neglect of mental health is not just a medical issue but a national emergency threatening the very core of the country’s development.
Speaking in recognition of World Mental Health Day, Dr Dawes lamented that despite years of discussion, the mental well-being of Jamaicans remains on the periphery of public policy. He described the state of mental health services as “direly underfunded and dangerously overlooked,” leaving many Jamaicans to grapple with invisible pain.
“Mental health is not a side issue—it is the pulse of our humanity,” Dawes asserted. “When our people are left to battle depression, trauma, and anxiety in isolation, we are weakening the foundation of our families, our communities, and our economy.”
He cited recurring cases of stigma and institutional neglect as symptoms of a broader national failure. According to Dawes, too many Jamaicans still equate mental illness with weakness, causing individuals in crisis to retreat rather than seek help.
“The language we use is part of the problem,” he said. “We tell people to ‘toughen up’ when what they need is care. We punish employees for breaking down instead of offering them support. It is this culture of silence that is killing us slowly.”
This year’s global observance, themed “Access to Services: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies,” holds particular significance for Jamaica, Dawes noted. He highlighted that the psychological effects of violent crime, economic instability, and recurrent national disasters have created a perfect storm for mental distress.
“We cannot continue treating mental health as an afterthought when our people are living in chronic states of fear and uncertainty,” Dawes declared. “Access to mental health care must become a fundamental right, not a privilege.”
Dr Dawes urged policymakers to treat mental health with the same urgency as other public health crises, calling for dedicated budgetary allocations, integration into primary healthcare, and widespread public education campaigns.
He also appealed to citizens to break the stigma by practicing empathy and vigilance within their own circles.
“If you see someone struggling, reach out. If you need help, speak up. Seeking help is not weakness—it’s courage,” he said. “Mental health is the heartbeat of a nation. When it fails, everything else follows.”
Dr Dawes concluded by reminding Jamaicans that building a resilient society requires more than infrastructure and economics—it demands compassion.
“A nation cannot rise on broken minds. We must heal our people if we intend to move forward.”
