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Compass News
Student Mental Health
A recent publication from the Adolescent Behavioural Health Centre, Alex’s Place, has indicated an increase in diagnoses of anxiety and depression.
Our reporter Philipp Richter breaks down what the experts are saying about the concerning numbers.
Clinical psychologist at Alex’s Place, Dr Chantal Basson, says academic pressure isn’t the only factor causing stress in Cayman’s youth — other issues such as the cost of living also play a role.
Looking at the most recent data published by Alex’s Place, it shows there has been an increase in diagnoses of anxiety and depression in the one year that the centre has been open.
Reports of anxiety rose by 160%, from 32 diagnoses in 2023 to 85 in 2024.
Diagnoses of depression increased by 120%, from 36 individual diagnoses in 2023 to 82 in 2024.
Even though this data shows an increase across the board, it could also be attributed to an increase in reporting. The stigma continues to prevent others from seeking help.
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Cayman Compass
Experts warn action needed to tackle youth mental health crisis
Suicide risk and mental health problems in the young are at a “crisis” point and not enough is being done to tackle the problem, Cayman experts have said.
Dr. Erica Lam, a psychologist who works with mental health charity the Alex Panton Foundation, said a major survey of 3,339 schoolchildren from Years 6 to 12 had found 529 of them had suicidal thoughts and 247 had tried to take their own lives.
She said, “Right now, young people are struggling.”
Lam added the number of youngsters reporting suicidal thoughts or attempts was “quite high for a small community like Cayman”.
She said, “What is concerning for us is that only one-third of them have sought help.”
Lam, a consultant clinical psychologist at Aspire Therapeutic Services, said a quarter of youngsters aged 9 to 13 who took part in a National Drug Council survey said they had “considered” suicide and one in four had self-harmed.
