Paula-Kaye Taylor on Mental Health Advocacy, Breaking the Stigma in Jamaica, and Advice for Those Battling Depression

Paula-Kaye Taylor is a passionate mental health advocate, and coach. Founder of The Stilled Soul, her journey in the field began with her own experiences with depression which led her to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health in Jamaica. She is also the author of Journey: A Collection of Poems Navigating Identity, Fatherlessness and the Pursuit of a Relationship with God.

We invited Paula-Kaye for an important conversation about her passion for mental health advocacy, how to inspire more compassion around the issue in Jamaica, and how a relationship with God can help navigate challenges like depression and anxiety.

BRIANNA:  You’ve become a passionate advocate for mental health. Can you share with us how your journey into mental health advocacy began? Was there a particular moment or experience that propelled you into this path?

PAULA-KAYE: Thanks for that question. Yes, I am very passionate and I'd say the passion came out of my own experience of dealing with mental health issues, recognizing them for what they were, eventually seeking help, and coming out on the other side better, more informed, and aware and able to help myself and others.

I studied psychology as well and I think as I got further along in my studies I realized that I have a deep interest in how the mind works and what can affect it

BRIANNA: Jamaica is often described as a country where mental health is still misunderstood and stigmatized. What challenges have you encountered in starting conversations around mental health here, and what changes would you like to see?

PAULA-KAYE: The challenge I have seen here (in Jamaica) regarding conversations around mental health is mainly the language used. I find that many of us Jamaicans use language that is negative or shame-filled when talking about mental health. For example, we call homeless people mad which is indicative of their mental state... even though not all homeless people are mentally unsound.

Or when you talk about hospital care for mentally ill patients, we talk about madhouse etc. So I'd like for us to use more positive language around mental health and, of course, continue to be better informed and educated.

BRIANNA: You’re also a mental health coach. What motivated you to go beyond advocacy and offer more in-depth services, and how has the response been so far?

PAULA-KAYE: I love talking about mental health obviously but I wanted to do more. I wanted to help people find ways to improve their mental well-being and not be ashamed of struggling every once in a while. I also wanted to use what I've learnt and studied in a unique way.

So far it has been very rewarding. Every once in a while I have a moment where I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, and then I work with a client or do a presentation and the feedback is a mix of relief and happiness, and I know I'm doing what I need to.

BRIANNA: As someone who is open about your experiences with depression, how has your personal mental health journey shaped the way you approach your advocacy and coaching?

PAULA-KAYE: My personal experience with mental health helps me to understand that seeking help can be hard, even if you know all the things. I understand that mental health is an area that is still being explored and so I don't expect everybody I interact with to be well-informed about it. I mean, I'm still learning.

I also understand that shame is still something many people deal with when dealing with mental health issues, so all of this helps me to continue to be kind and empathic in my approach.

I share information in a way that is easily understood, continue to encourage persons, and help them to understand that mental health is part of us and struggling with it is normal, nothing to be ashamed of.

BRIANNA:  You’re also an author. your book, Journey, is a collection of poems, and a reflection of some deeply personal themes, including identity and fatherlessness. What inspired you to transform these experiences into poetry?

PAULA-KAYE: I wrote the majority of those pieces when I was in the depths of struggling with depression and all that came with. I didn't know then how to express myself verbally because I was afraid it wouldn't come out 'right' or that I'd be misunderstood or judged. Writing how I felt came easily and naturally to me.

I felt like I could describe the pains and challenges in a way that made sense on paper. And I did. So, transforming these experiences into poetry was really my way of coping and trying to find relief.

BRIANNA: Why do you think there is such a powerful link between mental health and writing?

PAULA-KAYE: Just like I had the challenge of expressing myself verbally, I think many people struggle with that for the same reasons I shared, maybe others. I think writing allows persons to take time and process their thoughts; untangle some mental webs if you will.

In so doing they can have a better understanding of what they're feeling. If not in the moment, later on. You can always look back at something you wrote and even see something you probably didn't notice before, thus gaining even more clarity. Writing is powerful and healing.

BRIANNA: What role does having a relationship with God play in helping persons navigate mental health issues such as depression or anxiety?

PAULA-KAYE: There's research that shows how having a relationship with a higher power can help persons have better mental well-being. I think for Christians, having a relationship with God, leaning into his love and care, and living in his principles can help us to make sense of hard things, have someone else to offload the pressures of life on (someone who can better handle them) and find relief from painful things we cannot handle.

Also, scripture has a lot of affirmations and reassurance that speak to anxiety and depression. David wrote so many psalms that spoke to his own struggles and how he ran to God for help. We can pray those things or read them repeatedly as a reminder that there is help and hope in God.

BRIANNA: What would you say to someone who is struggling with their mental health right now?

PAULA-KAYE: Contrary to how you may feel right now, you are not alone and you do not need to try and figure this out on your own. Your mental health is important and is not a burden.

It's typical to say reach out for help and, yes it's a cliche, but do. If you have someone in your life that loves you and cares for your well-being tell them that you need help. You are loved and better days are possible. I'm praying for you.

BRIANNA: How can persons get a copy of your book or connect with you for coaching?

PAULA-KAYE: My book is available on Amazon. I'll be restocking locally soon so you can reach out to me on my Instagram @the.stilled.soul for copies. For coaching you can connect with me on Instagram @tss_coaching or email me at thestilledsoul@gmail.com.

If you are facing mental health challenges, it's important to seek professional help. Connecting with a trained expert can offer the guidance and support needed to help you through difficult times. Don’t wait to prioritize your well-being—reaching out is a powerful step toward healing.

For Jamaicans:

To connect with Paula-Kaye, utilize the contact information provided above.

You may also contact the Jamaica Psychological Society at (876) 484-1999.

For international readers:

Contact the Crisis Text Line/crisistextline.org:

US – Text HOME to 741741

United Kingdom – Text SHOUT to 85258

Canada – Text CONNECT to 686868

Ireland  – Text HOME to 50808

Befrienders Worldwide:

South Africa: 0027 51 444 5000

Uganda: +254 722 178 177

Zimbabwe: +263965000

China: +852 2382 0000