Konshens hopes to tackle mental illness in music industry... Launches ‘Delus Lived’ foundation

In a gathering of friends, supporters and family, dancehall artiste Garfield

Spence, more popularly known as Konshens, recently held a memorial in honour of his late brother, Delmark ‘Delus’ Spence.

Delus, who last year took his own life, left the music fraternity in shock as it opened the floor for many questions - including that of the mental health of entertainers.

The event, held at The Haven, on Hillcrest Avenue, took the form of both a memorial and launch of a foundation in the late deejay’s honour. The Foundation, ‘ Delus Lived ’ will target persons suffering from depression and anxiety.

“I’m not completely sure the direction it will take just yet ,” said Konshens on the format of the organisation. He says, since announcing his intention to start this foundation, he has received an outpouring of support and persons willing to collaborate.

“I appreciate all the persons reaching out to me to help with this foundation ,” he said. “But I want to discuss it with the psychologists here to figure out the best way to proceed.”

The event also acted as an open forum where persons were able to share their stories of living with depression and anxiety, while engaging panellists - Dr. Kai Morgan, president of the Jamaican Psychological Society and Angelique Cohen, of Angelique’s Project and who currently suffers from depression.

In addition to speaking about the importance of breaking the stigma attached to mental illness, the discussion was centred on mental illness within the music industry.

“Artistes have a persona to uphold and that can make it harder for them to speak about their issues ,” Dr. Morgan said. “People need to feel comfortable enough to sit and speak about depression as comfortably as they speak about other illnesses.”

The forum concluded with gratitude for the opening of the door for discourse which to many patrons, was long overdue, and hopes for the positive strides the ‘Delus Lived’ foundation will make.