May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we're shedding light on some common Caribbean mental health stereotypes that you may or may not have realized were problematic. Join us each week during this month where we tackle several topics in this series that challenge how we view mental health.
Pray about it
Caribbean people have been raised to believe that any and every issue in life can be prayed away including but certainly not limited to mental health crises, traumas, and mental illnesses.
And, if prayers don’t seem to be working, then you-need-to-pray-harder!
Why is this problematic?
Don’t get me wrong, there is no doubt about the power of prayer but encouraging someone who’s struggling to simply “pray it away”, trivializes what they may be grappling with, and can add unnecessary guilt and pressure, potentially worsening their mental health.
It also overlooks the complexity of these struggles and undermines seeking tangible support and solutions.
So, while prayer can provide comfort, hope, and spiritual guidance, it should not be seen as a substitute for professional help.
What to do instead?
Take a holistic approach to well-being that includes both prayer or spiritual practices and practical interventions, such as therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or medications.
I’m Dj Dani, your Chief Well-being Officer. Remember, your mental well-being is as important as knowing when the next long weekend is, so please prioritize it.
Stay positive, stay connected, and be kind.
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