CARICOM-UNICEF Study Finds Caribbean Youth Facing High Rates of Depression and Anxiety

Friday, 24 October 2025 (CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown): A significant number of children and adolescents across the Caribbean are experiencing high levels of symptoms of depression and anxiety. This is according to the 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report conducted by the CARICOM Secretariat and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

In 2024, the survey was distributed to children and young people across the Caribbean to explore issues related to their mental health and well-being, aiming to find solutions. Over 1,500 children and youth from 17 countries and territories responded.

The survey revealed concerning trends in youth mental health across the Region: 58% of respondents expressed a lack of optimism about the future; 56% reported experiencing persistent worry; and 54% indicated feelings of sadness, depression, and hopelessness.

Speaking at a virtual event held on Wednesday, 22 October to present the study’s findings, Hon. Dr Frank Anthony, Guyana’s Minister of Health, commended CARICOM and UNICEF for their critical efforts to better understand anxiety and depression among Caribbean youth.

“These findings are significant because they would help us to address some of the issues that we face across the Caribbean,” stated Minister Anthony. “Here in Guyana, we have already been examining issues related to mental health, particularly mental health among young people.”

He added, “I hope these findings will lead to meaningful interventions that truly support our young people. This must not be the final study. We need to close the data gaps that persist across the Region.”

Hon. Steven Jacobs, Guyana’s Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, underscored the pressing challenges confronting young people that may contribute to increased levels of anxiety and depression and advocated for collaboration to tackle the issue.

“Across our Region, young people are facing increasing pressures from academic stress and unemployment, the lingering effects of the pandemic and social media challenges,” stated Minister Jacobs, “Many are silently struggling, unsure where to turn. This is why prevention and early response are so critical. No single ministry can do it alone.”

Solutions

Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, presented key recommendations based on the study’s findings. She emphasised the need to enhance access to support services for young people, strengthen referral pathways, raise awareness to reduce mental health stigma, and equip parents and teachers with the skills to identify signs of poor mental health in youth.

“Many children, whether at home, in school, or within their communities, need our support. This document not only presents valuable data, but it also offers practical resources and evidence to guide the development of more tailored and impactful programmes for our Caribbean people,” stated the Programme Manager.

Resources

Bertrand Moses, Child Protection Officer, UNICEF Office for the Eastern Caribbean Area, shared resources developed by CARICOM and UNICEF to tackle the issues identified.

“We’re seeing clear evidence that more and more young people are feeling isolated and alone,” stated Mr Moses, “To help address this, a Directory of Government Mental Health Services has been created, offering country-specific links to text lines, hotlines, and other support resources at youngcaribbeanminds.com. The directory was shaped by insights from thousands of young people across the Region who shared what they wanted to see in a mental health resource.”

The Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report and related resources can be downloaded via https://www.youngcaribbeanminds.com

About the study:

In 2024, CARICOM and UNICEF launched a regional survey targeting children and young people across the Caribbean to better understand the challenges affecting their mental health and well-being, and to inform the development of effective solutions. The survey received responses from 1,500 participants across 17 countries and territories. Approximately half of the respondents were employed, while the remainder were either students or unemployed. The analysis revealed key insights into mental well-being, including experiences with anxiety, depression, and the availability of support systems.

Helpful links:

The Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report