The Caribbean Child And Youth Mental Health Research Study Report

A groundbreaking new report by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and UNICEF has revealed that a significant number of children and adolescents across the Caribbean are experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression and hopelessness.

The 2025 Caribbean Child and Youth Mental Health Research Study Report underscores a regional mental health crisis, with 58% of respondents expressing a lack of optimism about the future, 56% reporting persistent worry, and 54% indicating feelings of sadness, depression or hopelessness.

Conducted in 2024, the survey engaged more than 1,500 children and young people across 17 Caribbean countries and territories, marking one of the most comprehensive regional efforts to understand the state of youth mental health and well-being.

The report represents a vital step in filling critical data gaps on child and adolescent mental health across the Caribbean, supporting policymakers, educators and youth organisations to take informed, evidence-based action.