'We must break stigma' - Julien Alfred warns over far-reaching impact of sound powers of the mind

'We must break stigma' - Julien Alfred warns over far-reaching impact of sound powers of the mind

Evans Ousuru 20:00 - 12.11.2024

Said it is important to seek help instead of sweeping issues under the carpet

Saint Lucia's finest Julien Alfred has encouraged the Caribbean Community to take mental health seriously by seeking counselling.

The 100m Paris Olympics gold medallist laid down her ground work after partnering with Healthy Healing for mental health.

In her message,  the 2022 Commonwealth Games 100m silver medalist shared her commitment to mental well-being and encouraged others to prioritize their mental health.

"As an athlete, I know first-hand how essential it is to take care of your mind, just as much as your body. Mental strength plays a huge role in peak performance, and I’ve always made it a priority to ensure that I’m mentally prepared, both on and off the track," the joint North American indoor record holder for the 60m told Loop Lifestyle.

The 23-year-old has acquired new roles since winning the first-ever Olympic medal for the Island nation. Just recently, she was named tourism ambassador for her country, a role she has embraced emphatically.

Alfred, the first woman in NCAA history to break the seven-second barrier over the 60m said it is important to seek help instead of sweeping issues under the carpet.

"I want to encourage everyone, especially in our Caribbean community, to take their mental health seriously. Seeking counselling is not a sign of weakness, it’s a way of caring for yourself. We must break the stigma around mental health, especially when it comes to asking for help."

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