Name: TOMMY-LEE RICHARDS

Student ID#:
Grade: 11 T
School: Port Antonio High
Subject: ENGLISH LANGUAGE
Date: October 12,2021
Teacher: Ms. Heather McFarlane

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL BASED

ASSESSMENT (S.B.A.)
Group Topic: “Health”
Sub-Topic: “Emotional Health and what are
the effects on the human body”

Tommy-Lee Richards
Grade: 11 T
Port Antonio High
English Language School Based Assessment (S.B.A.)
October 12, 2021

Introduction
What is Mental Health Awareness and why does it matter?
Raising mental health awareness can help to understand your symptoms, find professional
treatment, and perhaps most importantly break the mental health stigma that leaves many people
suffering in secret.
Being aware of your overall health is important so that you can detect any symptoms and seek
professional help when necessary. While everyone is familiar with the symptoms and treatment
options for common illnesses that affect their loved ones, like flu or migraines or (most recently)
Covid 19, many people are unsure how to look after their mental health.
Mental Health Awareness is something that can help millions of people who are impacted by
mental health issues throughout the United States and the Caribbean. According to the National
Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five adults have had or currently have symptoms of a
mental illness. These statistics show just how prevalent living with a mental illness actually
is.This is also why NAMI recognizes Mental Health Awareness Month in May. The goal with a
whole month of mental health awareness is to help people with mental health illnesses
understand that they are not alone in their struggles- and that getting treatment can make all the
difference. World Mental Health Day was recognized on Sunday, October 10, 2021 under the
theme: “Mental Health in an unequal world” alluding to the fact that persons with mental health
challenges are sometimes not given the proper care and/or support that is often times required
and to encourage Jamaicans to be “compassionate and empathetic to those with these challenges
and to seek help if you or someone you know is dealing with mental health issues”.

Plan of Investigation

I decided on the topic “What are effects of Emotional Health on the human body” which was
derived from my Group’s Theme: “Health”. I chose this topic as I realized poor emotional
health can weaken your body’s immune system. However, feeling stressed, anxious or upset, you
may neglect in taking care of your health as well as you should.
As a student of English, I expect to improve in my writing and comprehension skills by
researching and organizing this School Based Assessment (S.B.A.). The way I intend to collect
the information for this S.B.A. is by researching online articles, scouting through recent
newspaper and academic text and/or journal.
How does our thoughts and emotions affect our health
Emotions that are freely experienced and expressed without judgement or attachment tend to
flow fluidly without impacting our health. On the otherhand, fearful or negative emotions can
zap mental energy, negatively affect the body and lead to health problems. It’s important to
recognize our thoughts and emotions and be aware of the effect they have not only on others, but
also on our bodies, behaviours and relationships with family and friends.
Poorly managed negative emotions are not good for your health. Negative attitudes and feelings
of helplessness and hopelessness can create chronic stress, which upsets the body’s hormone
balance, depletes the brain chemicals required for happiness, and damages the immune system.
Chronic stress can actually decrease our lifespan.
Science has now identified that stress shortens our telomeres the “end caps” of our DNA strands,
which causes us to age more quickly. Poorly managed or repressed anger (hostility) is also
related to a slew of health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiovascular
disease, digestive disorders and infections.
To support my research, I intend to use as evidence online articles, recent newspaper article,
academic text and/or journal that indicate how emotional or mental health can affect the human
body. This research should also demonstrate how positive emotional or mental health can
improve the body’s overall health status.

Reflection 1
How the study shapes my thinking
Mental or Emotional Health is a very serious issue in Jamaican society which needs to be
addresssed effectively. Everyone, including families, friends, professionals, colleagues, local
authorities, health care personnels, and all other important stakeholders, need to support those
who are affected by mental health problems. The Researcher has come into greater awareness of
the severity of mental health problems, as some of my family members and even friends are
seriously affected by mental or emotional health problems. Mental Health problems once
neglected can cause serious problems in society as it can lead to crime and violence, and a range
of mental disorders or chronic conditions.
In the first literary piece, Phil Gadd in the text Human & Social Biology for CSEC
Examinations, "Health is defined by the Worrld Health Organization (WHO) as a state of
complete physical, mental and social well-being. A healthy person must be normal for all three of
these aspects of health" (p. 282). Gadd further goes on to say that "Mental Health means having a
healthy mind free from depression and worry. People who worry a lot are not healthy. Hence,
avoid worry and adopt a positive attitude to life and maintain good mental health" (p. 283). In
fact, all three litterary pieces demonstrate a stark comparison as Gadd advises not only that "to be
healthy you need a balance diet, plenty of exercise, taking action so you avoid infections, a
healthy mind and a good social attitude," but also "showing altruism, which means showing
interest and concern for other people" which can ultimately improve the mental health situation
existing in society (p. 283). Literary pieces #2 and #3 also make direct references to altruism,
and note that families can detect and understand mental health warning symptoms over time,
provide care and support, and seek professional help.
In the second literary piece, the Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in a post on
Facebook, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, October 10, 2021, under the theme:
"Mental Health in an unequal world", advises persons to be "kind, compassionate, and
empathetic to those with these challenges and to seek help if you or someone you know is
dealing with mental health issues." In honour of World Mental Health Day persons are
encouraged to develop healthy habits; sleep, exercise, eat healthy foods, practise mindfulness,
limit alcohol intake so as to contribute to improved mental health. Persons do actually get better.
According to Dr. K. Ressler "...our body may keep the score, however, its incredible capability to
heal makes it the most fascinating system behind the human condition." In fact, research has
shown where terminally ill patients were found to have gone into remission after releasing
emotional stress or trauma. I am quite concerned about the state of the deranged men and women
in Port Antonio as they are not just forsaken, abandoned by family and society even, without
basic necessities, and homeless, but also occupy a polluted space which leaves grave cause for
concern, it being a matter of public health for the mentally ill as well as commuters. This matter
needs to be given immediate attention. Indeed, the Hon. Andrew Holness quotes "The
fundamental guidance of parents, teachers, and loved ones is critical in reducing the stigma
attached to persons diagnosed with mental health conditions."
Neglected trauma, the opposite of the opposite of the above-mentioned, leads to further health
problems or chronic conditions, like stroke, heart attack, weight problems, diabetes, cancer,
anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders, some with violent behaviours. In the third
literary piece, a Gleaner article published Monday, October 4, 2021, it was the intervention of the
residents in March Pen Road, Spanish Town who resolved to save the life of a mentally ill man
from his abusive father. Clinical Psychologist Dr. Orlean Brown-Earle said that a "lack of
resources was the main contributor to tardiness in trained personnel offering outreach, therapy,
and medication to persons with signs of mental health, as well as their families." Brown-Earle
said that "those deficits grow even wider on weekends with no efficient system for the
deployment of on-call staff in emergency cases, further quering that there are no "paid mental
health nurses on call, or a local number that residents can call, or the police able to engage a
practitioner that is on paid call?" Mental health problems once neglected can automatically lead
to crime and violence (the lives of the mentally ill and other persons being at risk), but with
proper intervention by family, friends, teachers, colleagues, residents, security/police and public
health personnels, given the resources, these persons can be given the much needed support to
help them on the path to recovery.
Initially, I viewed the mental health situation as a family or government problem, but after doing
this study, I have come to see this problem as the responsibility of each individual and the
community as a whole (as with the residents on March Pen Road, Spanish Town), because these
persons once neglected can resort to crime and violence (portray violent behaviours) or pose
serious health risks to normal residents. In the first literary piece, Phil Gadd in his text Human &
Social Biology, mental health as defined by WHO, I learnt something quite new "altruism",
"showing interest and concern for other people." In the second literary piece, a Facebbok post by
Hon,. Andrew Holness, in honour or WorldMental Health Day, under the theme: "Mental Health
in an unequal world"; "...with support and care, we all can help", and in the third literary piece,
an article by Gleaner writer Ruddy Mathison, we witness references being made indirectly to
"altruism" as residents intervened to save the life of a mentally ill man from his abusive father.
"69 years old Isaac Higgins had been in an hour-long stand-off with the police and residents on
March Pen Road in Spanish Town on Sunday over a viral video of 29 year old Jonoi Higgins,
another son who is mentally ill, being beaten while chained by the neck to a grille." Isaac
Higgins was arrested, but his mentally ill son was left behind, and residents believe he should
receive professional help. In the third litrary piece, Clinical Psychologist Dr. Orlean Brown-Earle
noted that a lack of resources and inadequate staffing posed a challenge to the mental health
situation existing in Jamaica, and so made a direct plea to family, friends and community folk to
"assume greater leadership in protecting mentally challenged persons." She further noted that
"many countries, including Jamaica, were transitioning from centralised medical care to
treatment at home." Overall, I have come into greater awareness that family, friends, teachers,
colleagues, local authorities (security/police and health care personnels), and even the
community can play a much greater role in providing services and support to improve mental
health care in Jamaica.

Reflection 2
Language in Use in 3 materials
Language use is of great importance in any form of communication as it helps readers not just to
understand what is being communicated, but also the information that is being conveyed. The
primary uses of language are informative, expressive and directive in nature. Language is used to
reason, to express ideas, argue a point, provide directions, and much more. Language choice is
key when creating mood, atmosphere and tone. Writers use different techniques depending on the
effect they want to achieve. The sounds of words, the images they create, the literal meaning of
words, as well as the ideas suggested by or associated with certsain words and phrases all count.
The language used in all three pieces of writing is "Formal" in Standard Jamaican English (SJE),
and is mostly descriptive, emotive, persuasive, and word choice (diction) is at grade level.
In the first literary piece, Human & Social Biology for CSEC Examinations by Phil Gadd, it
being an academic text, it's very informative. The writer adopts an authoritative stance since he
has to provide information for scholarly purposes. The language is Formal. The entire text is
written in Standard Jamaican English (SJE) since it is used in a formal situation and context.
The purpose of the text is to educate and inform it being for academic purposes. The language is
mostly intimately descriptive (the writer is describing the natural processes of the human body
and about life in general). The vocabulary/words are at the grade 11 level, and are used to paint
a mental picture so that the reader can visualize the natural processes in the human body or as
they occur in life. Parts of Speech mainly used are nouns, verbs (action, movement or
progression of time), and adjectives (describing words). Since the language is in Standard
Jamaican English (SJE), and it is very descriptive, the writer is able to achieve his intended
purpose which is to inform and educate his audience, who are students at the grade 10 and 11
levels, so that they gain a better understanding of what is being discussed and/or described
(mental health and "altruism"), and are able to pass or demonstrate mastery in their
examinations.
In the second literary piece, Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica, in a post on
Facebook in recognition of World Mental Health Day, October 10,2021, under the theme:
"Mental Health in an unequal world", targets a general audience (locally), and is meant to
encourage and/or persuade readers to provide support to persons with mental health problems
(indirect altruism). The Language used is in Standard Jamaican English (SJE). His tone is
emotive and the words used are very encouraging and persuasive. The writer uses an emotional
appeal (emotive and persuasive language) to bring across his message. The intended purpose is
to inform and persuade readers, the general public. Choice of words are at the grade 9 literacy
level; uses nouns, verbs and adjectives. Targets a general audience, in particular families and
community members/nation (parents, care-givers, relatives, students, teachers, security/health
care personnels, overall residents in Jamaica).
In the third literary piece, an article published in the Gleaner, October 4, 2021, Ruddy Mathison
covers the story of a mentally ill man, severely abused by his father, being rescued by residents
in March Pen, Spanish Town (indirect altruism). The language is in Standard Jamaican English
(SJE). The target audience is the Jamaican public. Choice of words is at the grade 9 level since
the target audience is the general public. Writer's intended purpose is to inform, educate,
persuade, and entertain (it being written in the Gleaner). The main purpose of the article is to
inform and educate the public on the drawbacks of the public health sector in offering outreach
to persons with mental health problems, as well as on the importance of family and community
in providing support for the mentally ill. Parts of Speech used are nouns, verbs and adjectives
which provides a very vivid picture of the events as they unfold. Figures of Speech used are
Rhetorical Question, Irony ("...son who is mentally ill, being beaten while chained by the neck to
a grille."), Metaphor ("hours-long stand-off"). There is also a bit of humour in the article as the
elder was seen hurling missiles (including human waste) from the premises at the angry
residents, which might also allude to the fact that the father himself possibly has a mental
condition as the son being abused, which is also a grave cause for concern since this might not
just be a police matter but also a mental health matter. Writer's purpose is actually achieved
because this story might actually evoke in readers a sense of compassion, sympathy/empathy
towards this family and/or mentally ill persons in a similar situation, and even prompt the public
to take greater action in rescuing and/or prrovide support to personns with mental health
problems.
Language used in all three pieces were formal, and in Standard Jamaican English (SJE). All three
literary pieces provide food for thought. Whilst the language in the first literary piece, the
academic text targets students at the grades 10 and 11 level preparing for their Caribbean
Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) Examinations and is for scholarly purposes, language
in literary pieces #2 and #3 targets the general Jamaican public and is at the grade 9 literacy
level. Vocabulary in literary article #1 is at the grade 10 and 11 levels, whilst word choice in
literary articles #2 and #3 is at the grade 9 level. All articles utilize parts of speech such as nouns,
verbs and adjectives. Whilst the language in article #1 is mostly informative and authoritative
(providing information in an academic context), language in articles #2 and #3 is mostly emotive
(encouraging) and persuasive. The third article, however, uses figures of speech (rhetorical
question, metaphor, irony). Language used in all three articles achieved the intended purpose as
readers could understand the information and/or message being conveyed, and whilst students
could obtain a pass and/or demonstrate mastery, readers were possibly persuaded to respond to
the plight of the mentally ill.

Reflection 3
Topic: Health
Sub-Topic: “Emotional Health and what are the effects on the human body”
"How has the S.B.A. helped me to be a better person"
Mental Health is a sore issue in Jamaica as much attention isn't given to the mentally ill. Many
persons are diagnosed with mental health issues. Some are on the streets and some are just
normal persons who go about their daily lives. Not everyone with a mental health problem is
crazy and not all are bad. It's truly sad that many persons with mental health problems are sick
and homeless with no one to care for them. I used to see the mad men and women on the streets
as scary and disgusting, but now I've come to see them as mere human beings with feelings
(emotions) just like anyone else. I believe this S.B.A has helped me to become more "altruistic"
("showing interest and concern for others"). I have come to pity them and am moved to advocate
for the community to become more like the "Good Samaritan", to provide moral and physical
support towards the mentally ill. My immediate recommendations are for the Ministry of Health
to provide better health care for mentally ill persons and for such institutions as the infirmaries to
provide food, clothing and shelter to the homeless and/or less fortunate and those who are on the
streets on a daily basis. According to the Holy Bible in Ephesians Chapter 6, verse 8 & 9; Verse
8: "Knowing that whatever good anyone does, he will receive the same from the Lord, whether
he is a slave or free. Verse 9: And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up
threatening, knowing that your own Master also is in Heaven, and there is no partiality with
Him." In regards to my academic development, my research skills have improved in that I was
able to work within the time frame given to start and complete my S.B.A. assignment;
“Emotional Health and what are the effects on the human body”, I am able better able to
identify scholarly and relevant materials to support my arguments, better able to organize the
information sourced, and have also become much better able at critiquing and analysing
information in the literary pieces.
Once I determined the research topic for my S.B.A research "Emotional Health and what are the
effects on the human body", I tried to work as quickly and briskly as I could to gather
information so that I would adhere to the time frame I was given to submit my research. I wanted
to submit my research in advance of the date and not be late. I went to the Port Antonio Library
hoping to source relevant information, searched the internet for articles relating to my topic,
scouted Newspaper articles to support my topic, all in a bid so as not to be devoid of time. My
efforts were fruitful as my research is almost complete and it's within my due date. Another skill
I have sought to perfect is the art of being better able to identify scholarly and relevant materials
to support my arguments. There are thousands of books/journals and articles on the internet some
which made general reference to the topic health, others that possibly related to my topic, but not
all of them offered information best suited to my topic "Emotional Health and what are the
effects on the human body", so I had to task myself with sifting through this mountain of
information until I found the book Human & Social Biology for CSEC Examinations by Phil
Gadd which addresses the issue of "altruism", the Facebook post by Hon. Andrew Holess, Prime
Minister of Jamaica which encourages persons to show greater care for mentally ill persons, and
Newspaper article "Shock, alarm over abuse" by Gleaner Writer Ruddy Mathison which through
the story of an abusive father showed how community folk rescued a mentally ill son, all in
intimate allignment with my topic. Each article is in full support and is very relevant and offered
succinct explanations to my topic.
This S.B.A. has helped me to be better able to organize information sourced. Now I had tons of
information at my disposal. The most challenging part of this assignment was to organize them
according to my thesis statement, each sub-topic and paragraphs. For each of the three (3) points
in the thesis, I had specific information to support it (not just any information would do); it had
to be intimately explaining and/or in agreement with the thesis. As for sub-topics, each
inforrmation used had to make direct reference to the sub-topic. The same for paragraphs, all
information referenced had to support each point in the thesis being explained in each
paragraphs. And by following this guideline, I automatically became better and better at
organising and synchronising information.
Another skill I perfected was critiquing and analysing information from the three (3) literary
pieces; #1 Human & Social Biology for CSEC Examinations by Phil Gadd, #2 the Facebook post
by Hon. Andrew Holess, Prime Minister of Jamaica, and #3 Newspaper article "Shock, alarm
over abuse" by Gleaner Writer Ruddy Mathison. I drew comparisons among the three (3) literary
pieces; Each literary piece showed similarities in making reference to providing care and support
for persons with mental health problems. A closer analysis indicated that reference was being
made to "altruism" (Gadd, p.283) "showing interest and concern for others" in all three (3)
articles. In critiquing all three articles; #1 Human & Social Biology for CSEC Examinations by
Phil Gadd is an academic or scholarly textbook, #2 is a Facebook post by Hon. Andrew Holess,
Prime Minister of Jamaica derived from social media, and #3 is a Newspaper article "Shock,
alarm over abuse" by Gleaner Writer Ruddy Mathison, a story format or storyline in media and
print with professional commentaries and recommendations. In another critique, whilst literary
pieces #2 and #3 made intimate references to greater involvement of family; families detecting
the warning signs and symptoms of mental health problems over time, literary piece #1 was more
on the surface, just making a direct reference to "altruism" (generally "showing interest and
concern for others"). Whilst the information presented in literary piece #1 was more to educate,
as presented in an authoritative tone, the information in literary pieces #2 and #3 were more
interactive, making reference as to what to do in a case of a mental health emergency. There were
as many similarities as there were differences among each literary piece. This S.B.A has
definitely helped me to better my writing and communication skills, as well as become more
altruistic towards the mentally ill in society.

Literary Pieces (Sources)

According to Phil Gadd in the text Human & Social Biology for CSEC Examinations, "Health is
defined by the Worrld Health Organization (WHO) as a state of complete physical, mental and
social well-being. A healthy person must be normal for all three of these aspects of health" (p.
282). Gadd further goes on to say that "Mental Health means having a healthy mind free from
depression and worry. People who worry a lot are not healthy. Hence, avoid worry and adopt a
positive attitude to life and maintain good mental health" (p. 283). Hon. Andrew Holness, Prime
Minister of Jamaica, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, under the theme: "Mental
Health in an unequal world", October 10, 2021, in a post on Facebook noted that the “prevention
of mental illnesses begins with being aware of and understanding the early warning signs and
symptoms; with support and care”, thereby urging Jamaicans to be “compassionate and
empathetic to those with these challenges and to seek help if you or someone you know is
dealing with mental health issues”. Furthermore, the Ministry of Health and Wellness encourages
Jamaicans who may be experiencing anxiety especially, in light of the Corona Virus Disease
(Covid-19), to contact its mental health line at 888 NEW LIFE (888-639-5433). In light of World
Mental Health Day observed on Sunday, October 10, 2021, persons the world over were advised
to “remember during difficult times that mental health is an important part of our well-being"
that “exercising regularly, practising mindfulness, eating healthy foods, ensuring you get enough
sleep, and limiting your alcohol intake, can all contribute to improved mental health”. Indeed, if
we applied this approach to mental health everyday of the year, more and more people could
benefit from knowing about these common illnesses and taking measures to improve their mental
health.
Some common disorders that need more awareness includes:
. Generalized anxiety disorder
. Substance use disorders
. Depression
. Bipolar disorder
. Post-traumatic stress disorder
. Schizophrenia
. Suicidal Ideation
Though all of these mental health conditions have different symptoms, they can impact every
aspect of your life. In truth, your mental health influences the way that you think, feel and
behave. This means that your social, professional and personal life can be greatly impaired.
Many people who have had mental health conditions aren’t sure how to cope with their
symptoms and resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms to push away their emotional discomfort.
As a result you might also have poor family relationships, or even develop an addiction to drugs,
or alcohol, resort to crime and violence; be destructive or become a menace to society.
Additionally, if you have one mental illness that goes untreated, you actually are at a greater risk
for developing co-occurring disorders and you will need dual diagnosis treatment to fully heal.
Mathison, in the Gleaner October 4, 2021 cited that “Sunday’s dramatic stand-off between the
police, an angry crowd, and an enraged 69 year old man Isaac Higgins accused of abusing his
mentally ill 29 year old son Jonoi Higgins, according to noted psychologist Dr. Orlean Brown-
Earle “serves as a wake-up call that sufficient staffing and other resources must be pumped into
mental health care” as with “the shortage of personnel, community folk” (as it was with the case
of these residents in March Pen Road, Spanish Town) “should assume greater leadership in
protecting mentally challenged persons”.
In fact, more and more persons are becoming aware of mental health, the symptoms and how to
cope with the effects of the illness, involving family members and friends, taking advantage of
mental health resources and/or services, and voicing on the social media. Persons like Juliet
Bodley, otherwise known as Julie Mango Tik Tok Star, advocates for mental health, she herself
having being diagnosed with “borderline personality disorder”, vouching that with “proper
treatment, she was able to plant a healthy seed of hope and grow into the sweetness now known
as Julie Mango”.
How can Mental Health Awareness help?
Mental Health Awareness doesn’t just help you, but knowing more about mental health disorders
can also help your family members, friends and co-workers. Mental Health awareness makes all
of this information available to you so that you can assess your own risks and find help for any
conditions you might have. Three of the main reasons why mental health awareness is so
important are outlined below:
• Understand Your Symptoms
A lot of people who have mental health symptoms don’t actually realize that their struggles are a
result of untreated disorders. Therefore, mental health awareness is helpful in getting you to
understand your symptoms.
While all mental health conditions have different symptoms, some signs to look out for include:
. Changes in sleeping patterns
. Loss of appetite
. Impulsive decision-making
. Turning to drugs or alcohol in moments of distress
. Suicidal thoughts
If you haven’t been feeling like yourself lately, you might have a mental health issue that
requires immediate treatment. After all, the symptoms of mental health disorders can be
incredibly dangerous for both your emotional and physical health.
• More Behavioral Health Resources
Another significant benefit to mental health awareness is that the more people know about the
need for mental health treatment, the more mental health resources will become available.
Without mental health resources, people would not be able to recover.
The most important mental health resources are:
. Mental Health Hospitals
. Behavioral Health Programs
. Medical Detox from drugs and alcohol
. Inpatient mental health treatment

In mental health hospitals you will have all of the resources you need to recover from mental
health conditions, heal from co-occurring disorders, and learn strategies to maintain your health
after your time in treatment. And mental health resources like crisis services can keep you safe so
that you have the ability to go through treatment.
• Break Mental Health Stigma
Most importantly, mental health awareness can break stigma of needing mental health care.
Having mental health disorders doesn’t mean that you are “crazy”. In actuality, mental health
impacts millions of people across the country. With more awareness and the right mental health
care, you will realize that you are not alone. Having mental health support gets you one step
closer to mental health recovery.
Mental Health Services Near You
If you aren’t sure how mental health services will work for you, staff members at public hospitals
can guide you to the right resources. Some hospitals use evidence-based treatments to address
emotional and behavioral concerns in order to help you feel like yourself. Public hospitals are
proud to promote mental health awareness as a way to make sure you feel supported throughout
the entire course of your treatment. In your program you will work with mental health
professionals, your support system, and people just like you. After you have the skills you need
to maintain your recovery, you will be able to spread mental health awareness and potentially
help others who are in your current situation on the road to recovery.