Child Development and Public Health

My public health topic is on mental health of mothers, fathers, and families.

Describe in what ways this topic is meaningful to you.

This topic is very personally to me, because I am a Parent Specialist Officer ( PSS ) for Ekhaya Youth Project. My job as a PSS is to support families with mental health problems and assist them with coping with issues that will involve their families. I always remind my families that parenting is a challenge for some people; especially for parents or family members that have mental health conditions. When I see my families; I remind them that their problem does not affect everyone in their family. We work on social skills, and what to do when they become overwhelm. I tell them their condition affects their behavior, and their relationship with their families. We discuss the importance for taking their medication and keeping their doctor appointments. I give them numbers to call if they need to talk about anything, or if they become suicidal. In my experience I have seen children get taken away from their mother, father, or family member, because they have attacked them, and seriously hurt the person. I see family members, and children get verbal abuse on a daily basis.
I give them ways to cope with their problems. This is a very serious problem nationwide, that will lead to some serious factors. This mental health issue will always be a global issue.

Information about mental health of mothers, fathers, and families in Jamaica.

Mental health issues are considered to be a hopeless fact in Jamaica. If a family member have mental health issues in Jamaica, they will receive primary care under the mental health program. The care is performed by psychiatrists or mental health officers. These people will modify their drug doses and use other therapies, if they are trained in that field. The Jamaicans gives lectures and hold meetings with their parishes to educate their people about mental health. There is very little help in Jamaica with families that are destined to have mental heath problems. Statistics in Jamaica states; if a child is fatherless, they will suffer with anxiety, depression, suicidal and psychosomatic. I will remind you once again that this is a major problem nationwide.

Ways this information may impact my future.

I know that we are blessed in the United states, because we have so many resources that can help us. I strive really hard to make sure these families I serve needs are met. I will continue to educate myself through my trainings and workshop. I have seen what happens when these families do not meet their requirements to learn how to cope with their problem. I will always implement what I have learned by finding strategies, and resources to help the adjust with matters dealing with their families. I know that visiting the doctor, and taking meds are also essential. That is why I will continue to check their daily chart for meds.