“Caribbean Faces,” a digital initiative, launched the first phase of its mental health and storytelling project on World Mental Health Day, which is celebrated annually on Oct. 10.
Crucian-born Tamara Mohammed, co-owner of “Greater Changes,” a behavior health and wellness agency, has taken conversations around mental health from out of the office and into the Virgin Islands with her Caribbean Faces mental health initiative.
“The reason I got into the mental health field is because I had an aunt who was diagnosed with schizophrenia. I grew up watching her experience vast bouts of instability, hospital stays, and re-stabilization, only for the story to repeat itself in perpetuity. The limited mental health support in the Virgin Islands and my aunt’s own struggles inspired me to pursue a career in professional counseling with a specialization in trauma management. It was through my studies that I developed a particular interest in the intersections between culture and mental health,” Mohammed said.
“A lot of the feedback clients share with me during our sessions is isolation and the inability to connect with their community. “Caribbean Faces” offers a bridge for people who may not have the courage to speak about their struggles out loud but need to see relatability reflected in their struggles from their peers,” Mohammed added.
“Caribbean Faces” offers a catalog of storytelling through photography and video interviews using diverse voices. “Diversity is a big part of this project. Diversity is the foundation of our Caribbean community and informs a lot about the complexities of our culture. We wanted anyone who viewed our website to find reflections of themselves in the interviewees we captured. This is where we lower the walls of isolation. This is where real community happens. Between sponsorship from “Greater Changes” and the Virgin Islands Council on the Arts, I have big dreams for Caribbean Faces,” Mohammed said.
The future of “Caribbean Faces” is one that is inclusive of the entire Caribbean. Inspired by the “Humans of New York” social media platform, which showcases real-life stories from everyday New Yorkers, Mohamed dreams of recreating a Caribbean version in which the unique stories of the people in our region are documented and uplifted while also maintaining a focus on mental health.
“I would like to engage in a collaborative relationship with community stakeholders. This could include mental health-centered organizations, professionals, or even people from the community who wish to share their stories. This initiative belongs to us and is a reflection of us. The success of “Caribbean Faces” relies on community involvement,” Mohammed said.
For questions or interest in getting involved in the “Caribbean Faces Mental Health Initiative,” Mohamed can be reached at tamaramohammed@greaterchangesllc.com.
