Denise Daley calls for stronger national push on men's mental health in Parliament

Denise Daley, the Opposition's lead on gender matters, care for the elderly, and support for persons with disability, says Jamaica must give men's mental health far more serious attention.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Tuesday as part of the Sectoral Debate, the Member of Parliament for St Catherine Eastern said the country faces a quiet but growing crisis among men who struggle in silence.

"As we conclude Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, we must also confront another silent crisis unfolding across our country. Too many of our men are suffering quietly. Too many continue to battle depression, anxiety, substance abuse and emotional distress without ever seeking help," Daley said.

She told legislators that stable households and safer neighbourhoods depend on boys and men who receive the emotional support they need to become healthy fathers, husbands, brothers, and leaders.

"If we want healthier families, we need healthier men. If we want safer communities, we need emotionally healthier boys who grow into emotionally healthy fathers, husbands, brothers, and leaders," she said.

Daley argued that Jamaica should broaden access to mental health services, strengthen counselling at the community level, expand mentorship programmes, and keep working to break down stigma that stops men from seeking help.

"Supporting boys does not lessen our commitment to girls. Supporting girls does not lessen our commitment to boys. A truly equal society leaves no one behind," she remarked.

She also pressed the case for gender-responsive budgeting, saying public spending must reflect the different realities facing women, men, girls, and boys.

"That is why gender-responsive budgeting remains so important. Public resources should reflect the different realities experienced by women, men, girls and boys. Investment in mental health, violence prevention, educational support, parenting initiatives, public awareness campaigns and services for survivors should not be viewed as expenses; they are investments in national development," Daley said.

The Opposition spokesperson said prevention should sit at the centre of policy, not reaction after harm is done.

"Because prevention will always cost less than tragedy. Education will always cost less than violence. And dignity will always be the foundation of a stronger Jamaica," Daley said.