Weed warning - Drug use impacting mental health

While noting that there are several aspects of modern life that can affect mental health, neuropsychiatrist Dr Roger Roberts says substance abuse, with drugs like cannabis and molly, is also a growing factor.

Cannabis use, especially among those with a predisposition to mental illness, is a growing concern. Since its decriminalisation, usage patterns have changed.

"Historically, our problem was alcohol use. But cannabis has become a major contributor," Roberts noted. "Recent studies suggest that, while we don't necessarily have new users, the quantity people are using is greater." Roberts added that the effects of cannabis use vary.

"You're always going to hear about the man who smoked weed until he was 100 and nothing happened to him, but maybe he doesn't have that predisposition," he said. "If it's not for you, it's not for you. If smoking triggers psychosis, anxiety, or other mental health issues, then you must recognise that." Roberts said drugs like molly are becoming more popular among Jamaica's upper class.

"When you do the survey, it's on the rise," Roberts said. "But I think it's because it's costly and access is limited, so it's in a certain demographic and people from a certain socioeconomic background. Cocaine use continues as well, though it's more common among those who have lived overseas. Jamaica has a culture of stigma against cocaine use -- you can hear it in our music -- so there aren't as many new users locally."

He emphasised the importance of discouraging early drug use, especially among young people.

"Apart from mental health, there is evidence that it impacts brain development, especially the frontal lobe, which is crucial for decision-making," he said. "And they're not just smoking weed -- they're smoking tobacco, 'grabba' mixed with weed. That brings a whole other set of public health concerns, from cancer to cardiovascular disease."

Roberts, Bellevue Hospital's senior medical officer, said drug use is just one of many stressors pushing individuals toward mental illness.

"Some of the most common stresses that people face are relational problems. There's a lot of relationship dysfunction, whether it's intimate partner or just interpersonal relationships," he explained. "Workplace difficulties due to toxic environments add pressure, which at times is difficult to manage. He added that unemployment and underemployment also remain significant triggers.

"It's layered because some people are working but are unable to get the jobs they want, which creates stress. For example, I've got a degree but I can only get call centre work. That can be a major source of stress because you don't feel fulfilled in your career," Roberts said. He also said that social media has intensified financial stress by fostering unrealistic expectations.

"When you think about the social pressure that social media brings, people feel like they need to be living a particular lifestyle," Roberts explained. "Some people feel like they're not able to fit in, and that can present psychological constraints."

Still, Roberts pointed out that some people fall victim to mental disorders because they are predisposed to them.

"There are groups of people who will get a mental illness, not because of any psychological stressor, but because of their genetics," he explained. "Some of these conditions run in families. If you have a positive family history, your chance of developing a mental condition will be greater than the average population."