With the suicide rate among young black men in the Caribbean rising, during Mental Health week – an annual global event that ended on Father’s Day, June 19 – Island Wave founder Christian Kalpee opened up the conversation of mental health in men among his peers.

Kalpee was joined by Freetown Collective members; Grammy award-winning artiste and producer Walshy Fire; Haitian singer J-Perry and Jamaican dancehall artistes King Bling-Dawg and Vyzadom.

In a release, Kalpee said he hopes that by sharing their experiences as men from the Caribbean and their encounters of mental health – whether this be their own directly or through observation of those around them – they will increase awareness of male health issues within the region and encourage inter- and intra-national institutions to develop health policies and services that meet the specific needs of men, boys, and their families.

[caption id="attachment_961740" align="alignnone" width="696"] J-Perry deals with mental health by keeping busy. -[/caption]

“I think in the Caribbean, mental health is still a relatively new topic. The younger generations, because of social media are more open to discussing it, which is amazing, but there is so much educating that needs to be done when it comes to not only mental health, but in general, how we view acceptance in the Caribbean. Everything we know, is what we’ve been taught, so in my opinion, we need to learn how to open our minds, to look at difference and individualism as the blessings that it is, so that the next generation grow up with the knowledge, to view the things that usually scare us or seem so foreign to us, as normal. So that they learn how to encourage their peers, to lift each other up and be comfortable in their own skin," he said.

Kalpee said it is important for the elders in power to recognise their importance to help implement ways to educate teachers, students and the general public about mental health and mindfulness exercises. He said the quicker the conversation begins is the sooner things will be set in motion to start planting the seed of change for the next generation.

"I really struggled with my mental health, after a car accident in 2019 that almost took my life. The most difficult part for me, was not knowing that I needed support. In my head I was just gonna get on with it and keep trying to move forward, cause that’s what I’m used to doing. But when the pressure is real, it can really pull you down. I was honestly so depressed, my anxiety was through the roof, but I didn’t know how to express that. Thankfully I had some of the most supportive people around me, who helped me get through some of the tough moments. They encouraged me to speak of my experience and open up and when I did, I couldn’t control my tears, it was literally a weight lifted off of my shoulders and it made me realise that I needed help. “

Lou Lyons of Freetown Collective too has had his share of experiences as it regards mental health.

[caption id="attachment_961739" align="alignnone" width="755"] Lou Lyon