Barbados’ 24-hour mental health hotline has received more than 6 500 calls since its launch just over a year ago – and 40 per cent of those have come from children and teens.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Kenneth George revealed the figures on Wednesday during a youth-focused discussion on suicide prevention, held a week before World Suicide Prevention Day.
George described the hotline, Lifeline Barbados, as a vital service introduced in February 2024, with support from the Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO).
Between its soft launch and the end of May 2025, the hotline received 6 572 calls, with four of every 10 calls from young people aged 18 years or younger. He said the high number of youth callers highlights the urgent need for mental health services that are affordable, accessible and culturally sensitive.
“The number of people seeking mental health support in Barbados has doubled since the pandemic,” Dr George noted, pointing to a rise in outpatient visits at polyclinics and growing demand for support services.
He cited World Health Organisation data showing a 25 per cent global increase in anxiety and depression during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that Barbados has seen similar trends.
Young people, in particular, have been struggling with anxiety, depression, and stress, Dr George said. While Barbados’ suicide rate stands at 3.5 per 100 000, below the global average, he cautioned that “one suicide is one too many”.
To meet the growing demand, the Ministry of Health and Wellness is expanding access to mental health services, including pharmaceuticals, at all polyclinics.
The chief medical officer also announced that plans are underway to modernise the country’s mental health legislation, with a proposed framework grounded in human rights and community engagement. The new legislation would allow clients, along with their families and support networks, to play a more active role in care and decision-making.
In addition, the ministry has finalised a new Adolescent Health Policy aimed at preventative care tailored to young people. Developed with PAHO support, the policy is rooted in wellness, autonomy and respect.
Dr George acknowledged that today’s youth face evolving pressures – from peer pressure and bullying to the influence of social media and artificial intelligence.
Despite these challenges, he assured that the ministry remains committed to safeguarding the mental well-being of the nation’s youth through continued collaboration with partners such as PAHO and UNICEF.
(SB)
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