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Promoting Mental Health Awareness in Belize: Coping Mechanisms, Techniques, and Local Resources.

Writer: sabrina sutherlandsabrina sutherland
Feb 276 min read

Updated: Feb 28




Mental health is a vital component of overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and act. In Belize, as in many parts of the world, mental health challenges are prevalent, yet often overlooked due to stigma and limited awareness. This blog aims to shed light on effective coping mechanisms, useful techniques, and accessible resources available within Belize to support mental health.

Understanding Mental Health

Mental health encompasses our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health issues can range from common conditions like anxiety and depression to more severe disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Coping Mechanisms and Techniques

Managing mental health involves adopting strategies that promote emotional resilience and well-being. Here are some effective coping mechanisms:

  1. Mindfulness and Meditation: Practicing mindfulness helps individuals stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress. Regular meditation can enhance self-awareness and emotional regulation.

  2. Physical Activity: Engaging in regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Activities like walking, cycling, or dancing can alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

  3. Healthy Diet: Nutrition plays a crucial role in mental health. Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports brain function and emotional well-being.

  4. Adequate Sleep: Establishing a regular sleep schedule ensures restorative rest, which is essential for cognitive function and emotional balance.

  5. Social Support: Maintaining connections with friends, family, or support groups provides a sense of belonging and can offer practical assistance during challenging times.

  6. Professional Help: Seeking therapy or counseling from trained professionals can provide personalized strategies and interventions to manage mental health conditions effectively.


Mental Health Resources in Belize

Belize offers a range of services and professionals dedicated to mental health care. Here are some notable resources:

1. Ministry of Health & Wellness Mental Health Program

The Belize Mental Health Program aims to provide integrated, comprehensive, and accessible mental health services nationwide. Services include specialized outpatient clinics, acute inpatient care, and community outreach programs. The program emphasizes community-based services and respects the human rights of individuals with mental health disorders.


2. Assess Belize: Psychological Testing & Therapy Services

Assess Belize offers professional, affordable, and accessible mental health care, including psychological testing and therapy services for individuals of all ages. They provide sliding scale fees to ensure services are accessible to all.


3. Mind Health Connect Belize

This organization provides information on mental health resources and advocacy throughout Belize. They connect individuals with trained therapists and counselors to promote mental well-being.


4. Mental Health Association of Belize

A non-governmental organization dedicated to raising awareness about mental well-being, improving services, and advocating for individuals with mental illness and their families. They offer public education and support initiatives.


5. Welcome Resource Center

Operated by the Mental Health Association, this center provides a social space for individuals who are mentally ill, homeless, or elderly. Services include meals, social support, and access to basic amenities.


Top Affordable Mental Health Professionals in Belize

Access to professional mental health care is crucial. Here are some affordable local and private mental health counselors and psychiatrists in Belize:

  1. Annel Martinez, Psychiatrist

    • Contact: Tel: 610-2174

    • Services: Specializes in psychiatric evaluations and treatment plans.

  2. Dr. Susanna Hoy-Mitchell, PsyD, Licensed Psychologist

    • Contact: Tel: 615-6119

    • Services: Offers therapy for various mental health conditions.

  3. Azalia Gongora Larrieu, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

    • Contact: Available through the Ministry of Health

    • Services: Provides trauma-informed care and integrates mind-body therapeutic practices.

      metabelize.com

  4. Assess Belize

  5. Mind Health Connect Belize

    • Contact: Tel: 501-615-5957

    • Services: Connects individuals with therapists and counselors.

      mindhealthconnect.com

  6. Monarch Counseling & Consulting

  7. Ms. Amiee Jex, Licensed Mental Health Counselor

  8. Community Counseling Centers

    • Contact: Available through the Ministry of Health

    • Services: Provides counseling services to underprivileged families and children.


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One Way To Boost Self Confidence

Writer: sabrina sutherlandsabrina sutherland
Feb 7, 20224 min read

Updated: Feb 8, 2022

Remember the Will Smith movie Focus that was released 6 years ago. The movie that he co-stared with Margot Robbie? I could not forget the way Will trashed Margot on the interview premier, when she showed up to the audition looking disheveled, unkempt hair and no makeup. He even went further to state "I was really wondering if she wanted this job or not." His remark has just validated everything I ever felt about one's appearance; I think it matters, don't you?


As a young girl growing up, my mother always supervised us girls (my sisters and I) before leaving the house. With a pack of six daughters, our clothes were supposed to be cleaned, matching, ironed etc. Looking polished wasn't an option in our household, it was a requirement.


In this blog a discussion on self-esteem and confidence will be conducted, it will include one suggestion that anyone can use to start building self courage.


Can you recall your teenage/adolescence developmental era? I sure can, and boy I was into myself. There was one thing that boosted my confidence and lifted my spirit. That "thing" was makeup. There is some positivity in the power of makeup. Don't you think so too?




According to Science Times, researchers from the University of Chieti, Italy and Harvard Medical School, conducted a research that "suggested that wearing makeup makes women feel smarter and even helps them to enhance their confidence." This occurred through the "lipstick effect" which is a describes as a "psychological phenomenon that boosts the confidence of a woman when she wears makeup and feels physically more attractive." As an average makeup wearer, I agree! There is something about wearing makeup that makes one look more appealing, well groomed and put together.


In another article by Ruby Buddemeyer, she stated that makeup can be therapeutic for some women struggling with mental health issues. In the article, Temimah Zucker, an eating disorder therapist and body image expert shared her recommendations and thoughts. The expert stated that she "encourages the clients to find meaning in makeup" which can help clients develop positivity and enhance mood.


It may appear to some that I am "knocking" natural beauty; that is not my intent. While I do rock my natural beauty 85% of the time, I would like to reserve that 15% for whenever I feel like, don't you agree? Fun Fact: In all my years of existence, I have never gotten a true genuine expression of attraction, wearing my natural beauty. By this, I mean no one has never "made a pass at me" or expressed how "cute" I look today, but rather are concerned if I am feeling "ill".


Some believe that applying makeup is superficial and shallow and deem it unnecessary and a waste of time and money. I disagree, but everyone is respectfully entitled to their own opinion. In 2016, the famous artist, Alicia Keys announced that she was ceasing the use of makeup and even started a "#nomakeup" campaign. Keys, 41, was even on the Cover of Glamour Magazine UK 2020/2021 issue, where she stated in her interview that she was "addicted to makeup," and decided to break ties with it. To admit to addiction is powerful and admirable, and is the first step toward taking control. Is it that serious though? Something that can easily be wiped away. While some women, shares Alicia's sentiment, others don't really feel the say way. In an article post in Psychology Today, author Tara Well Ph.D., stated that the "no makeup look" trend was started by women who were confident in their own skin and suggested that it is not for all women. The further article states that while some women are fascinated by this trend, they are still not ready to adapt to it.


With that said, I must admit that I am in love with makeup. No, I'm obsessed with it, not addicted, but obsessed! I like to collect it, play with it and wear it, make it and sell it. Yes, you read that right. I do manufacture my own cosmetics products. Sabrina Sutherland Cosmetics was launched in June of 2020. I believe that makeup is so transformational in many ways (physically, mental and emotional). I wanted to be apart of something that brings joy and empowerment to so many people. So, I launched my own Cosmetic Brand in the USA and Belize. I wanted to share this amazing experience with the beautiful women of my country and the world.


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The world is a stressful place to live in; and we live and then we die. With that, I would say do whatever makes you happy. This life is YOUR journey. Why waste time entertaining others judgements? I think life is too short for that. Don't you think so? Everyone has the right to put whatever they want on THEIR skin.


More in Beauty from our store Makeup Land Cosmetics

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With Wonder,

Sabrina S.



Reference(s)

Das, Pertha. (2017) Wearing makeup gives women confidence and makes them feel smarter. Retrieved from https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/17703/20170801/wearing-makeup-gives-women-confidence-and-makes-them-feel-smarter.htm. Retrieved on January 28, 2022.


Wells, Tara. (2017) Why more women are happily going without makeup. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-clarity/201707/why-more-women-are-happily-going-without-makeup. Retrieved on February 6th 2022.


Buddemeyer, Ruby. (2017) Six ways in which can help improve your mental health. Retrieved from https://www.businessinsider.com/6-ways-makeup-can-actually-improve-your-mental-health-2017-8. Retrieved on January 30th 2022.







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Get the Momentum Going!

Writer: sabrina sutherlandsabrina sutherland
Jan 17, 20223 min read

Updated: Jan 18, 2022

And just like that, we are half a month into the New Year! With that said, what is your mantra for the New Year 2022? I am not sure about you, but this year I feel like "taking up space" as Zozibini Tunzi, winner of Miss Universe 2019 suggested. It is a new year for us to do great things.


Now is the perfect time to unleash our inner "Girl Boss". With the right planning, dedication and hard work, success is possible.

Thinking of becoming an entrepreneur? Well now is the right time to start. There is no easy way to do this, but I think there are some helpful steps that I would like to share from a small business woman's perspective. Below I will be sharing 5 helpful tips that you can start implementing in your daily life to jumpstart that new small business or side hustle.


  • The first step is developing a strong mind set for your dreams. This means developing that strong mental state that drives your inner zeal to motivate you enough to where you physically do everything necessary to start the process. By having a strong mind-set, your visions are clear, your goals are realistic and your resilience radar to all things negative is at maximum tolerance.



  • The third step is to incorporate research into the plan. But before I go any further, I have a question to ask. What is it about research that makes people give up or avoid the topic all together? I think it is because research involves a lot of reading and work that some people do not care for. Unfortunately, becoming a entrepreneur requires research. For example, one must be familiar with the type of market they are entering into, the sourcing of goods, the volume of service that may be needed, startup cost, funding sources, launching, marketing and hiring help etc.


  • The fourth step is Planning, but not just planning, it must be done effectively. According to Chron, "effective planning in business is essential to success. When a company has a plan in process and a plan to follow, leaders are better equipped to prepare for the future" (2020). One thing that shares a synergistic relationship with effective planning is organization. The way we keep or maintain our work environments can impact our stress levels. Getting organized and decluttering your surroundings, can create a peaceful and calming environment, which can boost focus and productivity.


One way in which you can maintain your surroundings is by getting in the habit of scheduling your time and tasks. A compact planner is a nice way to compile all your daily "to-dos" in a confined location and eliminates the need for multiple sticky notes.


Below is a sample copy of the compact planners available for sale at Makeup Land. Our planners are fun, feminine and available in a variety of styles to choose from. Planners start at BZD $25.00 each. We also carry a variety of planner stickers to make planning enjoyable, colorful pens, markers, washi tapes etc to bring out your creativity.




  • Lastly, it is important to keep up with current trends. This can be achieved through attending different workshops, webinars and conferences. In addition, enrolling in different course sessions or master classes can ad value to your portfolio. Remember, it is important to invest in yourself. Obtaining higher education is the ultimate self investment. With increased knowledge, there is room for growth and innovation.



I think there is no such a thing as the perfect time to launch a new business endeavor? Timing plays such a vital part in our daily lives. It is the one thing we cannot change nor stop; even as we sleep, it just keeps on going. The truth is, we cannot control time, but we can control how we use time. It is the beginning of a new year; it is time to make it count.



With Wonder,

Makeup Land




Refrence(s)

Why is planning important? (2020). Retrieved from https://smallbusiness.chron.com/planning-important-74858.html. Retrieved on January 16th 2022.




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