Barbados’ Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George says the Caribbean is facing a critical mental health crisis, with a significant rise in anxiety, depression, and stress, particularly among young people.

In his address at CARPHA’s 69th Research Conference, he noted that Barbados has seen a 100% increase in persons seeking psychological and mental health services during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

CARPHA’s Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Indar said this crisis should concern all regional healthcare professionals, adding that traditional and emerging methods of therapy should be used to manage mental health at the population health level.