MHES Leads Multi-Agency Effort to Raise Awareness of Youth Mental Health and Youth Suicide

Every year on 10 September, countries around the globe help to mark World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD) as a way to raise awareness, reduce stigma and educate the community on suicide and its prevention.  Created in 2003 by the International Association for Suicide Prevention, in conjunction with the World Health Organisation, WSPD helps to focus advocacy efforts locally and nationally via the promotion of singular messaging that suicide is often preventable.

“It’s never easy to talk about difficult topics like suicide,” begins Chief Nursing Officer, Mrs. Felicia McLean, “yet, this is one of those topics where silence inflicts significant harm. That’s why it’s so important for us to learn how to be a source of support and a safe space for those facing emotional challenges, such as suicidal thoughts and feelings.”

Within our community, the topic of youth mental health broadly, and suicide prevention in particular, has been a focal point of discussion for several years. Mental health data from the National Drug Council’s Cayman Islands Student Drug Use Survey, which was analysed with support from the Alex Panton Foundation, has provided concerning information about Cayman’s youth who are considering or engaging in self-harm, have thoughts of suicide or have tried to end their lives. 

At the Inspire Youth Meet-Up Event in October 2024, over 200 students from Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac’s public, private and home school settings came together to discuss their experiences with mental health, self-care and community wellbeing.  Challenges in relationships, hostile school environments, lack of face-to-face interactions, cultural issues, the negative impact of social media, drug use and loss of hope were all identified as major themes following a thematic analysis of the event’s data. 

In light of the data and growing concern within the community, the Cayman Islands National Child Safeguarding Board tasked the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability to lead a multi-agency child and youth mental health project to bring together key stakeholders – including multiple Ministries, departments and SAGCs, the Alex Panton Foundation, the Mental Health Commission, and the UK Health Security Agency – in an effort to coordinate a national response to this critically important issue. 

“Child and youth mental health is a complex topic,” Mrs. McLean states. “As such, we have adopted a multi-faceted approach to the work, focusing on short-, medium- and long-term goals that range from education and training, to expansion of services, youth engagement, awareness and destigmatisation, policy development, and overall system coordination, among many other things.  By having the right people at the table, and ensuring that we have the data that we need to inform our decisions, our hope is that we will be able to ensure buy-in, cohesion and consistency in the way that we work to safeguard and promote good mental health among our children and youth.”

“The health and safety of our children and youth is something that is very close to my heart,” adds Hon. Katherine Ebanks-Wilks, Minister for Health, Environment and Sustainability. “As a founding director of United Against Bullying, youth mental health has been a particular concern and passion for many years, so I am proud of the work which my Ministry has been doing, and the leadership role that we are taking in this matter.  Suicide is a significant public health problem, with social, emotional and economic impact.  Mental health is health, and we must continue to push that message to help end the stigma and make it easier for people to get help when they need it.”

“The responsibillity that we have for the wellbeing of our young people cannot be overstated,” emphasises Hon. Wayne Panton, Parliamentary Secretary for the Ministry of Health, Environment and Sustainability. “The theme of World Suicide Prevention Day this year is Changing the Narrative on Suicide.  This is a push for us to shift away from a culture of silence and stigma, to one of openness, empathy and support. I am encouraged by the work of our Ministry in contributing to this change, and helping our nation to develop a culture of understanding, kindness and support to all who may experience mental ill health and suicidal thoughts and feelings.”  

Along with efforts to identify accessible training options for educators and youth workers on signs of suicide risk, the multi-agency group is also currently preparing to present the findings of the Inspire Youth Meet-Up event at the upcoming Health Care Conference, which will take place in late October 2025.

“Our team at MHES is committed to this work,” states Acting Chief Officer, Mrs. Neyka Webster. “I want to thank our Chief Nursing Officer for leading this effort, as well as our partners and support staff who are essential in progressing it.  I want to encourage the public to engage with the mental health events that are on offer, both this month and next, as we have several partner agencies who offer a myriad of opportunities for dialogue and growth.  Mental health is a state of wellness, and we must all do our part to learn more on what we can do to promote and protect good mental health.”