Dr Longmore urges focus on mental wellness

President of the Jamaica Psychiatric Association (JPA), Dr Saphire Longmore, has stressed the importance of prioritising mental wellness, warning that everyone has their breaking point. She urges Jamaicans to be mindful of their mental health as they navigate life's challenges.

"We all have our breaking point. I'm sure Prince Harry can attest to that," Longmore said.

The noted psychiatrist's comment comes against the backdrop of intense public chatter about the mental state of dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper. The entertainer's recent public struggles have cast a spotlight on how mental wellness is viewed, particularly when it comes to public figures, who, despite their stardom, are not immune to the pressures their careers and fame impose on them.

While Longmore refrained from commenting on Lisa Hyper's case, she emphasised the importance of moving beyond the sensationalism surrounding individual cases and focusing on the broader conversation about mental wellness.

According to Longmore, mental wellness is often affected by a combination of life stressors, hormonal imbalances, and trauma. These factors can influence one's emotional and psychological state, sometimes leading to a distorted sense of reality. For public figures like Lisa Hyper, however, the public's perception of their struggles makes these challenges even harder to navigate.

"Sometimes, there are stressors in life that can cause a hormonal imbalance," she told THE WEEKEND STAR. "When that happens, we can experience changes in behaviour or thinking, and depending on the severity of the stressors, this can create a false reality."

Longmore also highlighted that mental health struggles are often compounded by a lack of support and understanding. Without a solid support system, it becomes difficult for an individual to recognise when they need help, which can result in a situation spiraling out of control.

"There was a significant portion of the population that was ridiculing and mocking her -- persons who were supposed to be in her corner, people who were said to be her fans," Longmore said. "It is not when someone is down that we should beat them further."

For public figures, the role of the public in either exacerbating or alleviating their mental health challenges is significant. Longmore emphasises the importance of maintaining a balance between physical, mental, social, and spiritual health, especially in the face of life's inevitable stressors. Personal wellness should include not just self-care, but also an environment that provides compassion, support, and understanding.

"There are certain occupational hazards -- just as an airline pilot cannot fly without adequate sleep, we must be aware of the stressors in our own lives," Longmore noted. "Each person has their predispositions, and it's vital to recognise these factors and take steps to protect ourselves from them."

As she puts it, "Nobody's life is perfect. We all have stressors, but if we take care of ourselves -- physically, socially, and mentally -- we can handle whatever comes our way."