Leading the charge: Jaime’s advocacy for mental health support in the Caribbean

CASTRIES, 10 January 2025 - Jaime Young, a passionate member of the UNICEF x Let's Unpack It Caribbean Youth National Mental Health Focal Point Network, is making waves in her country, Saint Lucia, as she advocates for better mental health support for young people. As a family caseworker at the Saint Lucia Social Development Fund, she has used her platform to speak out about the mental health crisis affecting Caribbean youth, calling on decision-makers, families, and communities to take action.

Her advocacy has gained local and international attention, including a feature on the World Health Organisation's Global Health Matters podcast. Jaime joined UNICEF’s Global Lead on Mental Health, Zeinab Hijazi, to discuss the unique challenges faced by young people in the Eastern Caribbean.

Jaime spoke candidly about the beauty of growing up in Saint Lucia—where idyllic beaches and tight-knit communities create a paradise for many. However, she also highlighted the stark reality faced by many young people in the region: 24% are struggling with mental health issues, worsened by limited resources, the climate crisis, increasing violence, and the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are expected to perform, to get a job, and provide for our families, especially in this region. It’s a lot of pressure, which leads to anxiety, stress, and even depression. If you don’t have the coping skills or support, you can feel like your back is against the wall,” said Jaime.

She also pointed out the high costs of accessing mental health services. “Counsellors and therapists are expensive, and in many places, they simply aren’t available. Mental health is still taboo in many families, so support is lacking there too,” she added.

In the podcast, Zeinab Hijazi, a clinical psychologist, shared alarming global statistics: 1 in 7 young people are living with a diagnosable mental health disorder, and half of these conditions begin by age 14. “It’s unfathomable that we know mental health conditions are treatable, but so many go undetected and untreated,” she said. “Why aren’t we investing more in prevention to avoid long-term suffering for young people?”

View Full Podcast Here

Jaime continues to use her platform to bring attention to this critical issue. In a recent interview with the Saint Lucia Times, she urged authorities to provide more mental health resources for youth and tackle the stigma surrounding mental health. “The fear of being labelled as crazy, or facing negative perceptions from family and community, adds to the burden that many young people carry,” she shared.

To learn more and access mental health resources, visit the Young Caribbean Minds platform.

This article was first published by UNICEF.