LISA Hyper was released from the University Hospital of the West Indies (UHWI) on Tuesday afternoon after successfully undergoing treatment for depression.
The dancehall deejay had been admitted to the facility a week ago.
“The treatment was successful. The doctors, nurses and staff at UHWI were very professional. All I need to do now is take my medication on time and I have to stop smoking marijuana — I have to recognise that and accept that fact, and I will not relapse,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
She urged other creatives and artistes who may be struggling with depression to seek help.
“Don’t be ashamed. You have to admit and accept the fact that you have an issue; and I advise anyone struggling to get the help they need. Start treatments early. I appreciate the work that the professionals do at the facility and in the future, I would like to assist the facility in some way to make the experience even more pleasant and comfortable for patients,” she said.
Lisa Hyper said that she now has “to closely monitor and manage” her condition. She plans to honour her contractual obligations.
“I have to reschedule the England shows and I am renegotiating with promoters for the other shows I missed. I intend to honour my commitments,” she said.
Depression is a leading cause of illness and disability among adolescents, and suicide is the second-leading cause of death in this age group. Worldwide, 1 in 5 youth will experience a mental illness before they turn 25, and about 70 per cent of these disorders emerge by age 14 and often go undiagnosed for up to 10 years.
There is considerable stigma associated with mental illness in Jamaica, often leading to avoidance, rejection, and even victimisation. According to the 2017 Global Burden of Disease database, about three per cent of Jamaicans have a depressive disorder while 4.1 per cent have an anxiety disorder.
Lisa Hyper was part of Vybz Kartel’s roster of artistes known as the Portmore Empire. In October she was baptised and converted to Christianity.
She is known for hit songs including Sculpture, Body Fit, Pretty Butterfly, Wine for Me, Champion Bubbler, and Bills featuring Gaza Kim.
