by Mell P
Behind the uproarious characters and viral comedy sketches that made her famous, Juliet “Julie Mango” Bodley was fighting a silent battle.
- Advertisement -
This month, particularly, social media has been abuzz with pleas for her followers to reach out to the content creator after what some deemed to be ‘crazy posts’ on her accounts. There was an outpouring of love for her.
One commenter posted: “Julie Mango, I pray for your healing, deliverance and strength in this season. Remember that God understands your tears, sighs and groans and He is working on them right now. Joy comes in the morning…so hold on a little while longer.”
Another person responded, “She soon come out. A yearly attack.”
Some people supposed that the recent tornadoes in Missouri where she resides may have something to do with her cryptic messages on Instagram stories.
Bodley has advocated heavily or mental health awareness since she started gaining recognition for her comedy sketches on social media.
In 2022, she released her first single, “Otherside”, which tells the story of overcoming mental struggle, using her own journey as inspiration.
The new single tells the story of overcoming mental struggle, using her own journey as inspiration.
In a candid interview with Caribbean National Weekly (CNW), the Jamaican actress and comedian peeled back the curtain on her early career struggles with mental health. “When I just started out, there were times when I would have posted a funny video, and while the world is laughing, I am writhing in emotional pain, because cognitive distortions and imposter syndrome took over my mind,” she revealed.
Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) at the age of 21, Bodley spent years masking her depression and suicidal thoughts with humor. But today, she’s using her platform to demolish stigma—especially in Caribbean communities where mental illness is often dismissed as weakness or even spiritual possession.
Juliet Bodley speaks openly about her past struggles with self-harm, not for shock value, but to demystify one of mental health’s most misunderstood issues. Having recovered from the practice herself, she offers rare insight into why people turn to self-injury—and how to help those still trapped in the cycle.
She told CNW – “People cut because it’s ‘pain-to-pain therapy,’” she explains.
When life feels chaotic and out of control, self-harm becomes a way to reclaim agency. You’re substituting emotional pain with physical pain—something tangible you can manage. The temporary relief it provides, she notes, is dangerously seductive. She explained further—That cut, the blood, the sting—it creates immediate feedback. For a moment, the old pain fades because your brain is distracted by the new pain.
But Bodley is quick to clarify. This isn’t about ‘attention-seeking.’ It’s a maladaptive coping mechanism, a silent scream for help.
As a devout Christian, Bodley is urging the church—a cornerstone of Jamaican society—to rethink its approach. “The church sometimes operates out of fear and not in step with Christ,” she said, stressing that labeling mental health crises as “demonic” only deepens the crisis.
“The elders need to challenge the notion of ‘possession’ when a child is displaying symptoms of mental illness.”
She’s equally vocal about government inaction. Bodley is pushing for mental health education to be mandatory in Jamaican schools from grades 7–9, with optional courses for older students.
“Schools are where many lifelong mental issues develop,” she argued.
“We teach math and science, but not how to process trauma or build healthy coping mechanisms. That has to change.”
Bodley passionately rejects the idea that faith and medical treatment are at odds. “Every good thing comes from God,” she said. “When doctors create medication or therapy programs, that’s still God’s work.” With her signature wit, she added, “I know people don’t like medication, but if you have a flu, you’ll take Panadol. Don’t play with me!”
Though Mental Health Awareness Month is a start, Bodley insists it’s not sufficient. “It needs to be a lifestyle practice,” she said.
Her own journey—from engineering to comedy, from silence to advocacy—proves that healing is possible. Now, through projects like her YouTube series “Fambily Reunion” and sitcom “Big Forin’”, she blends humor with hard truths, showing others they’re not alone.
One year ago, she sat down for a Pre-stage Q&A with NYC Health + Hospitals/Kings County titled “7 Questions with Juliet ‘Julie Mango’ Bodley” to discuss Mental Health with Dr. Denham, CXO, as part of their Mental Health Awareness Month and Care Experience Week celebrations.
The actress, film producer, storyteller, and comedian’s vision is clear: break the cycle of stigma early. By targeting schools and churches, she aims to equip the next generation with tools she never had.
“We can’t keep pretending this isn’t a crisis,” she said. “Laughter saved me, but action will save others.”
