Helplines in Jamaica.

Do you dread the thought of going to school or work? Contact a free hotline in Jamaica for support.

Persistent problems at school or work may leave you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, singled out or left behind. What’s worse, such challenges can be impossible to avoid, with daily exposure impacting your mental health and wellbeing. There are 2 hotlines in Jamaica where you can ask for help if you:

• Feel excessively tired, depressed, hopeless, withdrawn, or consider turning to drugs or alcohol.
• Pretend that you are sick, nauseous or hurt so that you can avoid attending.
• Have powerful feelings of anger, defiance, frustration, rebellion and the sense that this is unfair.
• Feel isolated, withdrawn and constantly tired at school or work.
• Often absentee yourself for headaches, flu, injuries and stomach bugs that you don’t really have.
• Avoid interacting or working on tasks by withdrawing, sleeping or hiding in the rest room.
• Have thoughts of violence, self-harm or suicide because you feel trapped by school or work.
• Feel incredibly self-conscious about social or professional interactions with others.

If daily troubles at school or work are affecting your mental wellbeing, you’re not alone. Many people experience social anxiety, with difficulty interacting and fitting into groups. Others have trouble staying organised, comprehending lessons and tasks, or even remaining still and focused when in class or at the office.

Distress at school and work should never get in the way of your ability to learn, perform, interact or thrive. You have the potential to succeed, but you need support. If your concerns and negative feelings persist for weeks, months or longer, it might be time to reach out to a volunteer or counselor at a helpline in Jamaica for support.