Jovera Collective

The Faith & Mental Health Symposium kicked off with an engaging panel conversation, Optimizing Mental Health, Managing Mental Illness, moderated by Pastor Dr. Gary Buddoo-Fletcher, Force Chaplain, Jamaica Constabulary Force. Panelists included Pastor Javian Hutton, Dr. Akia Blandon & Bishop Dr. Maxo Dejanis.

This panel explored the critical distinctions between mental health and mental illness, shedding light on their impact on individuals and communities while fostering awareness, understanding, and proactive approaches to mental well-being. Experts in psychology and lived experience discussed the importance of mental well-being, early intervention, and destigmatizing mental illness.

Over the course of the panel discussion, several gems were dropped:

💎 Everyone has mental health. Not everyone has a mental illness.

💎 Sometimes people need a pill, not a prayer.

💎 Mental illness is diagnosed by a mental health professional and is based on criteria including length of time of symptoms, intensity of symptoms, trauma, family history, etc.

💎 Mental illness can be managed through individualized care plans. Treatment for mental illness isn't a one size fits all.

💎 Churches must care about mental health as much as they care about spiritual health. Both are interconnected.

💎 Poor mental health impacts mind, body & soul.

Check out the Symposium magazine here: https://publuu.com/flip-book/142156/1877264