Lisa Hyper Hospitalized for Mental Health Issues in St. Andrew

On Wednesday, December 28, dancehall singer Lisa Hyper was admitted to the St. Andrew’s University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) where she is currently in stable condition after experiencing mental health issues. Lisa Hyper was part of Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire team of musicians and singers but has since moved on to pursue a solo career and even recently went viral on social media earlier this year for a video showing her getting baptized.

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In Jamaica, mental illness suffers a heavy stigma, which can result in avoidance, rejection, and victimization. Approximately 3 percent of Jamaicans suffer from a depressive disorder, and 4.1% from an anxiety disorder, according to the 2017 Global Burden of Disease database. A higher percentage of adolescents suffer from depression than any other medical condition, and suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents.

Since her recovery, the singer has come forward with a strong message regarding mental health. According to the Sculpture artiste, mental health challenges should not be stigmatized, and fellow artistes and entertainers should seek expert assistance for mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and others of the same denomination or branch.

“When you have mental problems seek help; nothing is wrong with it. Mental health [problems] everybody guh through it. Me guh through it. Lisa Hype guh through. Suh oonu seek help. Don’t be too shame or full a pride or too much ego. Unuh seek help, especially di artiste,” she said.

Her hospitalization has resulted in her being unable to participate in numerous dancehall events that she was supposed to perform at. As well as a two-week tour in England.