Mental Matters

In this episode of Mental Matters , Motivate JA engages with Judah Njoroge , a youth mental health advocate from Kenya. Together, they explore the importance of lived experience in advocacy, the role of community care, and the ongoing work of building sustainable mental health systems. Judah shares his personal journey, reflections on recent policy wins in Kenya, and why global conversations need...

In this deeply personal episode, Lovina Shaw shares her journey through the darkness of suicidal ideation and self-harm, emphasizing the importance of self-love, resilience, and the power of positive affirmations. The conversation explores the impact of negative thoughts, the significance of community support, and the transformative power of faith in overcoming despair. Lovina’s story serves as a...

In this episode of Mental Matters , Motivate JA sits down with counsellor Debbie Ann Bailey for a gentle and grounding conversation on healing in real time. Together, they explore what it means to embrace emotional recovery without the need for a perfect moment. The episode unpacks cultural beliefs, inner narratives, and the slow, powerful work of showing up for yourself, exactly as you are. Debbi...

In this powerful episode, Carla Zuill shares her journey of resilience and healing as a mental health advocate. From the loss of a significant relationship to the realities of single motherhood, Carla opens up about shame, trauma, and the power of vulnerability. She reflects on the challenges women face in silence—and what it means to break generational cycles of emotional unavailability, abuse, a...

In this episode of Mental Matters , Clinical Mental Health Practitioner Kimani Reid joins us for an honest, insightful conversation about how language shapes our perceptions of mental health—especially in Jamaican and Caribbean culture. We unpack the harmful impact of labels, the need for cultural sensitivity, and why empathy and communication are crucial to building mental health awareness and sa...

In this episode of Mental Matters, host Motivate JA is joined by mental health advocate and author Jhanille A. Brooks for a grounded and affirming conversation about emotional stagnation. Together, they explore what it means to feel emotionally stuck, how grief and life transitions play a role, and why self-awareness and grace are essential for healing. With insights from her book Metamorphosis ,...

This conversation explores the powerful relationship between healthy eating and mental health, featuring insights from Rahfyah, a natural healer. Through his journey of overcoming gut health challenges, Rahfyah unpacks the impact of food compatibility, the healing power of herbs, and the benefits of electric alkaline foods. The discussion weaves together practical tools and ancestral wisdom, showi...

This conversation delves into the complexities of Impostor Syndrome and burnout, exploring their interconnections and the impact of self-awareness, acceptance, and social support. The speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding one's limitations, the power of saying no, and the detrimental effects of comparison and competition. Additionally, the discussion highlights the significance of...

In this episode of Mental Matters, the conversation delves into the heavy topic of shame, exploring its roots in cultural expectations and personal experiences. Mandie Salmon Wright discusses the journey of transcending shame, embracing authenticity, and the importance of validation in personal growth. Mandy shares her radical transformation from a bold child to a minister, navigating the complexi...

What happens when we reclaim the narrative around wellness and identity? In this powerful episode, Olivia Shaw-Lovell joins Mental Matters to explore what it truly means to decolonize mental health in the Jamaican context. From her journey as a small-town girl turned global advocate to the founding of Women of Destiny , Olivia speaks with clarity, heart, and boldness. We unpack the impact of gende...

What does being okay look like for you now? This season opens with a conversation rooted in sisterhood, vulnerability, and shared growth. From grief and healing to joy and purpose, six powerful women come together to speak our truth. We speak candidly about what it means to keep showing up—for ourselves and each other. Welcome to Season 2 of Mental Matters —we’re starting with heart!

In this episode we tackle the extremities of mental health and how to identify when it's a good time to seek professional diagnosis. Psychiatrist Dr. Bell speaks to us about schizophrenia and the big whopper - SUICIDE! What do we do when we feel this way or when some-one opens up to us about it?

In this episode we look at coping and caring - So, you've opened up about your mental health struggles - what's next? How do we cope and how do we care for those coping?

Someone wrote somewhere once: Depression, it's like drowning but not being able to die. If we never understood before that visual, we certainly do now - It's an unbearable devastation for all involved. In this episode, Gio talks about how he went through his depression mostly in silence and mostly alone. 

There is a silent community of emotional sufferers and it's also a very big community because nobody talks about what they are experiencing - mainly due to the stigma but also the voices that tell us we are alone and we are going through this ALONE! In this episode we talk about the signs of depression and mental distress and how to help ourselves and those who may need help.