The purpose of this paper is to explore and help create awareness that could increase and enhance the strides that the government is making for Jamaican citizens to access high quality culturally responsive mental health care. The paper will include a literature review of peer-reviewed publications that address the cultural stigma associated with consumers seeking mental health services in Jamaica. The paper will examine current mental health resources available in Jamaica and address cultural practices and traditions that promote mental health.
In 2017, researchers have reported that 30%-40% of Jamaicans suffer from mental health diagnoses, “At the moment, at least three to four out of every ten Jamaicans have some type of psychiatric or mental disorder…. Within the next 10 to 15 years, mental illness in Jamaica is going to double or triple…[because] Jamaica is a very stressful and depressing place. ” (Gary Hemmings, Jamaica Observer- a publication analogous to The New York Times). Hemmings research data is in keeping with a previously published research by Professor Emeritus Fredrick W. Hickling of Psychiatry at the University of the West Indies who found in a 2011 study that 40 percent of the population suffered from a type of mental illness and the figure increases if one considers there are a lot more people suffering from stress disorders, psychosis, brain and psychotic disorders, depression etc. in rural areas (Jamaica Observer, 2017). Data shows as of 2011 Schizophrenic/Psychotic Disorders are prevalent in rural areas of Jamaica when compared to mood disorders, organic mental disorders, childhood/adolescence post-traumatic stress disorder, substance abuse, and other disorders. There are traditional healing and cultural practices that have been neglected or not considered in the mental health service plans for many living in rural areas. A study of psychiatric outpatients in New York City found that African American patients were more likely to report a history of alcohol abuse and delusions, and Caribbean-born patients were more likely to report symptoms of depression and aggression (Williams, Haile, Gonzalez, Baser, Jackson, 2007). A national study found that a number of Blacks of Caribbean ancestry included in the sample had higher levels of psychological stress compared with US-born Blacks (Williams, Haile, Gonzalez, Baser, Jackson, 2007).
Government-funded social service agencies must provide culturally responsive approaches to mental health services to improve the quality of life of people with mental illnesses in Jamaica especially in areas where persons with mental health issues are underserved. A quantitative analysis of mental health data provided by the Ministry of Health in Jamaica will provide an empirical basis for such an exploration. Policy implications for care will conclude the analysis. The topic is of significance because undiagnosed mental illness disproportionately impacts underserved people of African descent and can potentially exacerbate transgenerational trauma and impact the emotional and social well-being of future generations.
