The reality of mental health in Trinidad and Tobago is this; More work needs to be done.
Over the past two decades, there has been a global push for mental health awareness; from the rise of many mental-health-focused organisations to governments ensuring that counsellors and social workers are present and active in schools.
However, children and youths are more at risk of poor mental health today than the thousands of generations before them.
With an increase in crime, war, a less survivable economy, and unrealistic life expectations pushed uniquely by social media, our children and youths are extremely vulnerable to poor mental health. This is why prioritising mental health in the home, school, workplace and every other area of life is important.
A Message to Parents and Guardians on Prioritising Mental Health in the Home
Parents play a vital role in whether their children have access to mental health support or not. For example, requesting formal counselling at ChildLine requires parental permission, and many children refuse to seek professional counselling, (at ChildLine or otherwise) due to being ashamed to talk to their parents or believing that their parents won’t see the need for intervention.
Positive mental health begins at home. Parents must strive to develop closer bonds with their children, engage in better communication and adopt more gentle and effective parenting practices so that they can see and understand the signs of poor mental health in their children.
In recognition of World Mental Health Day, we encourage the children and youths of Trinidad and Tobago to seek the mental health interventions that they deserve.
Seeking support as a child or youth (up to age 25 years)?
Call ChildLine at 800-4321 or 131 or visit our WhatsApp and live webchat at childlinett.org or from the My ChildLine App.
Seeking support as a parent/guardian?
- Families in Action: 628-6333
- Ministry of Social Development and Family Services’ Hotline: 800-1MSD
- The National Family Services Division: 794-7483 or 784-5538
