CARICOM and UNICEF report reveals alarming levels of anxiety and depression among Caribbean youth

Friday, 24 October 2025, Bridgetown — A groundbreaking new report by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and UNICEF has revealed that a significant number of children and adolescents across the Caribbean are experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness.

The 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report underscores a regional mental health crisis, with 58% of respondents expressing a lack of optimism about the future, 56% reporting persistent worry, and 54% indicating feelings of sadness, depression or hopelessness.

Conducted in 2024, the survey engaged more than 1,500 children and young people across 17 Caribbean countries and territories, marking one of the most comprehensive regional efforts to understand the state of youth mental health and well-being.

A Call to Action 

The report paints a sobering picture of the emotional toll facing young people amid social, academic and economic pressures, as well as the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social media-driven stress.

Speaking during the virtual presentation of the report’s findings on 22 October, regional leaders reaffirmed their commitment to using the data to drive policy and programme interventions. The study’s insights are expected to inform collaborative strategies aimed at promoting prevention, strengthening early response mechanisms, and improving access to mental health support for children and adolescents.

Evidence-Based Solutions

Michele Small-Bartley, Programme Manager for Youth Development at the CARICOM Secretariat, emphasised the importance of translating research into practical action.

“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,” she stated.

UNICEF highlighted that the findings reinforce the urgent need for sustained, coordinated approaches to mental health promotion across the Region.

Bertrand Moses, Child Protection Officer with UNICEF for the Eastern Caribbean Area, noted that young people had been central to shaping the study and its resulting resources.

“We’re seeing clear evidence that many young people feel isolated and alone,” he said. “In response, CARICOM and UNICEF have developed a Directory of Government Mental Health Services, available at youngcaribbeanminds.com, offering country-specific helplines, text lines and online resources co-designed with youth input.”

Empowering Youth Voices

The report represents a vital step in filling critical data gaps on child and adolescent mental health across the Caribbean, supporting policymakers, educators and youth organisations to take informed, evidence-based action.

By amplifying the voices and lived experiences of young people, CARICOM and UNICEF aim to ensure that every child and adolescent in the Caribbean has access to the care, understanding and support they need to thrive.

The Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report and related materials are available for download at www.youngcaribbeanminds.com.