Mental health problems and substance abuse among adolescents are on the rise globally, and the Caribbean is no exception.
The disclosure came from Interim Executive Director of the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), Dr. Lisa Indar.
“What is especially worrying is the rise in suicidal behaviour in this age group,” she wrote in a message welcoming participants to CARPHA’s 69th Annual Health Research Conference in Barbados later this year.
Indar also noted that high rates of non-communicable chronic diseases are also associated with a range of mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety disorders, which in turn influence treatment adherence, morbidity, and mortality.
According to the CARPHA official, often people’s ability to live fulfilling lives depends on their mental health.
In this regard, Indar observed that the situation makes protecting and restoring mental health of immediate concern to public health professionals.
Indar recalled that the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the mental health of adults and children, catapulting the mental health situation in countries.
She said many people experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and substance use disorder during the pandemic.
In addition, Indar said crime and violence affect mental, physical, and psychosocial health, individual families, and communities.
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