In Jamaica, Mental Health has a stigma.

Many do not believe it is a topic to be discussed, in our families

and certainly not at work. How is the current pandemic impacting the lives of Jamaicans? Do you believe
it is negatively impacting staff or the organization? How can organizations help their employees? What
can we do (if anything) to remove the stigma?

Respond to at least three (3) comments. Comments such as 'Yes' No or I Agree/Disagree' are not
gradeable responses.

How is the current pandemic impacting the lives of Jamaicans?

WHO defines mental health as "a condition of well-being in which an individual recognizes his
or her own potential, can manage with typical life challenges, can work creatively and fruitfully,
and can contribute to his or her community."
In this view, mental health is the basis for an individual's and a community's well-being and
successful functioning. This core idea of mental health has a wide range of interpretations across
cultures.
Due to Jamaica's substantial reliance on tourism services, the pandemic has had a disastrous
effect on the country's economy. Moreover, various studies conducted since the start of the
pandemic have shed light on the impact of COVID-19 on homes across the island, including
negative consequences on health, education, and safety.
Do you believe it is negatively impacting staff or the organization?
Yes, I feel like the present pandemic is having an adverse effect on employees and the company.
That is, many workers who lost their jobs as a result of the pandemic have resulted in an
overburdening of other employees' workloads, as well as increased anxiety among others who
are concerned that they, too, will lose their jobs in the future, in addition to many workers who
have had to reduce their working hours as a result of the pandemic. These changes will almost
certainly have a big impact on people's well-being. Furthermore, organizations are always
attempting to thrive and sustain themselves, which necessitates high-performing staff. However,
under unpredictable external events that might impair the well-being of employees, it becomes
challenging for enterprises to maintain consistency in their operations. Uncertain events, such as
a pandemic, might cause employees to get stressed, causing them to perform poorly. The risks
that exist in the workplace as a result of the pandemic not only divert employees' attention away
from their task, but also jeopardize their existence at work by producing health issues.
How can organizations help their employees?
Race, economic opportunities, citizenship status, work type, parenting and caregiving
obligations, and a variety of other factors all influence mental health outcomes. So, how can
businesses and leaders help employees cope with increased pressures, safety concerns, and
economic uncertainty?
Employers may help employees with their mental health in a variety of ways that includes:
Model healthy habits, create a culture of connection through check-ins, be flexible and inclusive,
communicate more than they believe is necessary, and engage in training, and change rules and
procedures.
What can we do (if anything) to remove the stigma?
Have open conversation about mental health, educate yourself and others, and promote equality
between physical and mental illnesses, and show compassion for those who are suffering from
mental illness. In addition, choose empowerment over shame, do not harbor self-stigma, and
notify the media when they are stigmatizing, and be honest about treatment are just a few of the
things we can do to help erase the stigma.