A groundbreaking study has unveiled a concerning mental health crisis among children and teenagers across the Caribbean. The 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report, a collaborative effort between the CARICOM Secretariat and UNICEF, reveals that a significant portion of young individuals are grappling with heightened symptoms of depression and anxiety. Conducted in 2024, the survey engaged over 1,500 participants from 17 countries and territories, shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by Caribbean youth. Key findings indicate that 58% of respondents feel a lack of hope about the future, 56% experience persistent worry, and 54% report feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness. The study’s results were presented during a virtual event on October 22, where Guyana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Dr. Frank Anthony, emphasized the importance of these findings in addressing regional mental health issues. He highlighted Guyana’s ongoing efforts to tackle youth mental health and called for continued research and intervention. Hon. Steven Jacobs, Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, pointed to academic stress, unemployment, pandemic aftermath, and social media pressures as key contributors to the crisis. He urged collaborative efforts to implement preventive measures and early responses. Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at CARICOM, outlined actionable recommendations, including improving access to mental health services, strengthening referral systems, and equipping parents and educators with tools to recognize mental distress. UNICEF’s Bertrand Moses shared resources developed in partnership with Caribbean youth, such as the Directory of Governmental Health Services on the Young Caribbean Minds website, offering country-specific mental health support. The full report and resources are available for download, providing a foundation for targeted interventions to support Caribbean youth.
Silent mental health issues growing concern in younger Caribbean population, says regional study
