Motivate JA to Launch Virtual Mental Health Awareness Campaign: “Mental Matters

This May, in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, Motivate JA will launch its first-ever mental health campaign—Mental Matters—a three-day virtual series designed to spark open conversations and educate the public on the importance of mental health and wellness in Jamaica.

The campaign, which will run from May 22 to May 27, aims to create a safe, judgment-free space where individuals can learn, share, and receive support in navigating mental health challenges. With a focus on breaking the stigma, promoting care, and encouraging community involvement, Mental Matters is poised to be a powerful step forward in local mental health education.

Mental Matters will kick off with an Instagram Live Launch on May 22 at 8:00 PM, hosted by Kyesha Randall. The launch will feature quick introductions from the conference's guest speakers and advocates, mental health myth-busting, and a special musical performance by Michael David. It also marks the official release of the Zoom registration link for the upcoming sessions.

The three-part Zoom series includes:

• Opening Up and Help – May 25 @ 7:30 PMFocused on recognizing warning signs, knowing when and how to seek help, and understanding how non-professionals can support those in need.Featuring: Jamaica Psychological Society and personal story by Giovanni Dennis.

  
  

• Coping and Care – May 26 @ 7:30 PMCentered on coping techniques, how mental illness affects loved ones, and what practical care looks like in everyday life.Featuring: Jamaica Psychological Society and personal share by Shadane Randall.

  
  

• Breaking the Stigma and Rehabilitation – May 27 @ 7:30 PMAddressing community responses to mental health, ongoing challenges of stigma, and opportunities for rehabilitation and support.Featuring: Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network and testimony by Tamalcia Johnson.

  
  

Each session will include professional insights from guest speakers, moderated Q&A segments, and powerful first-person accounts from individuals with lived experience.

The campaign is free to attend, but registration is required to ensure a safe and supportive environment for participants. Details on how to register will be shared during the Instagram Live launch.

With depression, anxiety and schizophrenia listed among the leading mental health disorders in Jamaica—and stigma still a major barrier to care—Motivate JA hopes this initiative will help Jamaicans feel seen, supported, and empowered to seek help or support others.

Because if it can happen to one of us, it can happen to any of us—and together, we can make mental health matter.

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