77% of Caribbean mental health patients not getting care
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Mental Health Awareness Month serves as an important reminder that mental health is just as essential as physical health. Across Jamaica and the wider Caribbean, conversations surrounding emotional well-being, stress, anxiety, depression, and psychological support are becoming increasingly necessary as more people silently struggle with mental and emotional challenges.
According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO), mental and substance use disorders remain among the leading causes of disability in the Americas.
More than 100,000 people in the region died by suicide in 2021, while over 77 per cent of persons living with mental health conditions, in Latin America and the Caribbean, do not receive the care they need.
Mental health advocate, Dr Juwell Harley emphasised the importance of awareness, education, and emotional support during Mental Health Awareness Month.
“Mental Health Awareness refers to the ongoing effort to educate people about mental health conditions, emotional well-being, and the importance of psychological support. It promotes understanding, reduces stigma, encourages early intervention, and empowers individuals to seek help when needed,” Harley said.
Harley noted that today’s fast-paced and demanding society has contributed significantly to rising mental health concerns.
“Mental Health Awareness Month is important because it shines a spotlight on the growing emotional and psychological challenges people face daily. In a world filled with financial pressures, social media influence, demanding careers, academic stress, and personal responsibilities, many individuals silently struggle with stress, anxiety, burnout, and depression,” she said.
Regional health data also show that anxiety and depressive disorders increased significantly across Latin America and the Caribbean following the COVID-19 pandemic, with depression increasing by approximately 35 per cent and anxiety by 32 per cent in 2020.
According to Harley, mental health should never be viewed as secondary to physical health. “Mental health is a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how individuals think, feel, cope, communicate, and make decisions. Mental health should be viewed as equally important as physical health because both are interconnected,” she said.
PAHO reports that depression remains one of the most prevalent mental disorders across the Americas, affecting women at nearly twice the rate of men.
Despite growing awareness, stigma surrounding mental illness continues to affect many Caribbean communities. “Stigma persists because of misinformation, cultural beliefs, fear, stereotypes, and a lack of education surrounding mental illness. In some communities, mental health struggles are still viewed as weakness rather than legitimate health concerns,” Harley said.
She further explained that fear of judgement often prevents people from seeking help.
“Many people suffer silently because they fear being misunderstood or labelled negatively,” Harley said.
Health experts across the Caribbean continue to stress the importance of normalising therapy, counselling, and emotional support. PAHO also reports that regional spending on mental health remains critically low, with only 2.1 per cent of health budgets allocated to mental health services.
Harley highlighted that good mental health directly impacts self-esteem, relationships, productivity, and overall quality of life.
“Good mental health improves confidence, emotional stability, communication, productivity, and resilience. It enables individuals to pursue goals, build meaningful relationships, manage stress effectively, and enjoy a healthier, more balanced quality of life,” she said.
She also noted that unmanaged stress, anxiety, and burnout can negatively affect career growth and workplace performance. “Unmanaged mental strain can lead to fatigue, poor concentration, absenteeism, emotional exhaustion, decreased productivity, poor judgement, and strained workplace relationships,” Harley said.
Harley expressed concern about the growing emotional pressures facing young people today.
“This trend is deeply concerning because many young people are experiencing heightened anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and emotional exhaustion at increasingly younger ages. Constant comparison, cyber bullying, unrealistic expectations, and pressure to succeed can significantly impact mental wellness,” she said.
Across the Americas, suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young adults ages 20 to 24 years.
Harley encouraged individuals to pay attention to warning signs in themselves and others. “Warning signs may include persistent sadness, mood swings, withdrawal from social activities, changes in sleep or appetite, hopelessness, irritability, excessive worry, lack of motivation, difficulty concentrating, substance misuse, or talking about self-harm,” she said.
She warned that untreated mental health conditions can contribute to emotional distress, relationship breakdowns, substance misuse, chronic illness, and suicidal thoughts.
Research from PAHO also notes that chronic stress, anxiety, and depression may contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immunity, sleep disorders, and other serious physical health complications.
Harley encouraged people who may be struggling silently to seek support and remember that healing is possible. “You are not alone, and your struggles do not define your worth. Healing takes time, and it is okay to ask for help. There is strength in vulnerability, hope beyond the pain, and support available for those willing to reach out,” she said.
She added that healthy coping strategies such as exercise, journalling, mindfulness, prayer, social support, therapy, and maintaining boundaries can all contribute positively to mental wellness.
As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, Harley hopes society develops a deeper understanding of mental health and emotional well-being. “I hope society begins to truly understand that mental health is a fundamental part of overall health and human well-being. Mental illness should never be met with shame or silence but with compassion, education, support, and action,” she said.