In the second instalment of our series on mental health in teens during the pandemic, we delve into the sobering realities faced by young individuals in Jamaica. The statistics reveal an alarming scale of mental health challenges affecting this vulnerable population.
Through interviews with teenagers, we gain insights into their personal experiences and how the pandemic has impacted their mental well-being. Their stories highlight the importance of understanding and empathizing with the struggles faced by teens during this unprecedented time.
Join us in shedding light on this crucial topic and raising awareness about the mental health of teenagers. Together, we can make a difference.
Key Facts:
Globally, depression is one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death in 15-19-year-olds.
The consequences of not addressing adolescent mental health conditions extend to adulthood, impairing both physical and mental health and limiting opportunities to lead fulfilling lives as adults.
General Statistics for Jamaica: The scale of mental health challenges affecting young Jamaicans is alarming.
“Over 800,000 children live in Jamaica, and even taking a conservative figure of 15 percent, nearly 120,000 of them may have a mental disorder and 5 percent or 40,000 of them may be suffering from a severe mental disorder,” explains Dr. Ganesh Shetty, a child, and adolescent psychiatrist. “Approximately 3,500 children access the facilities offered through the 20 Child Guidance Clinic sites island-wide. Hence, over 95 percent – or just over 110,000 children and adolescents with a mental disorder – may be going unrecognized and untreated in government settings,” he says. “There are only a handful of child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, clinical social workers, and child and play therapists to assess and treat these children. And only a few of them work in private settings, which may not be affordable for many parents.” Extracted from UNICEF Jamaica
How would you describe your mental health before the pandemic and quarantine?
Female, aged 18-19 Before the pandemic was a bit stressful since my plate was full academically, emotionally, mentally but during quarantine, it got worst because a lot of things happened super fast and I started to feel flustered and frustrated. Meaning of there were a lot more tasks to complete than the time there was to complete them. Male, aged 16-17 I’ve not been doing well at all. I’m a social person and since the pandemic, I have not been able to socialize the way I used to. It’s been hard trying to find the motivation to do my school work and prepare for my exams as well.
What part(s) of your daily routine did you have to change during this time?
Female, aged 18-19 Before covid, I was involved in sports so during quarantine I tried to focus on my physical well-being by doing exercises.
Male, aged 16-17 Getting ready to go to school in the mornings, and sitting down in front of a screen for 16 hours.
Were your parent(s), guardians, or family members supportive in this period? Please describe.
Female, aged 18-19 At the initial stage of quarantine, I think it was a year since I lost a close family member. I would say support was there but I maybe didn’t use it? I’m not sure.
Male, aged 16-17 No. I’d be in classes and I’m constantly being badgered into doing stuff that doesn’t matter. Jesus and I have been trodding the desert together, I haven’t gotten any emotional support, financial, sure, but I have been getting that before. Emotional support was always something that I had to provide for myself, so, nothing really changed, to be honest. It’s just me.
How would you describe yourself academically before the pandemic? And how does that contrast to how you are now?
Female, aged 18-19 Academically speaking I was going through a rough time at the initial stage of the pandemic n my grades were low but during the pandemic, my grades started to increase. I’m guessing it’s because of online school, and various resources at our fingertips. And of course, friends who help us during tests, assignments, etc.
Male, aged 16-17 I was and still am an average student. During the pandemic my academic performance was maintained until recently, it dropped a few per cent, not a lot, probably 2 per cent. So I’m doing well, I guess.
Why do you think there was a change to how you perform in school vs now? Was the virtual environment a benefit to you?
Female, aged 18-19 The virtual environment benefitted me greatly at face value, meaning my report is really good. Otherwise, teaching and learning are difficult via the online platform. Did you use any coping mechanisms? Would you mind sharing it with us?
Male, aged 16-17 The lack of motivation to do work. That’s all, to be honest. I don’t have a problem with online classes, but I’ve been faced with a lot of domestic challenges. I have tried to ignore these issues, but ultimately, they still have a negative effect. Did you use any coping mechanisms? Would you mind sharing it with us?
Female, aged 18-19 I don’t have any. Well maybe, I suffer from an anxiety disorder that interrupts me on a regular basis. However, spending time with God helps with that. The best suggestion is to start a plan on the YouVersion Bible app related to whatever it is you are dealing with and eventually you’ll feel fine.
Male, aged 16-17 Well, yeah I do. My coping mechanisms are dancing, working with my Students’ Council, and talking to friends, but one specific person helps me to forget a lot that I’m going through.
What advice would you give to other teens like yourself?
Female, aged 18-19 This too shall pass. Everything that is going on right now is happening for a greater reason that you are unable to see. Continue being strong and continue striving for excellence… One day you will reap your reward.
Male, aged 16-17 Talk to others. Try to reach out so that you can keep your sanity in check. Although online might seem a bit hard, your lack of willingness to try will not help. You won’t know what you can accomplish if you don’t try.
Is there anything you would like the wider population to know in regards to approaching the mental health of teenagers in a pandemic?
Female, aged 18-19 Mental health is not a myth.
Male, aged 16-17 Try to see things from our perspective. We have never experienced a pandemic before and people adjust to various situations differently. A lot of teenagers are thriving, however, a lot of us are struggling to keep up. We are faced with depression, truckloads of assignments, and issues learning online. It’s hard. All that has to be done, is to understand and empathize.
Special thanks to our interviewees.
In conclusion, the experiences shared by our interviewees have shed light on the profound impact of the pandemic on the mental well-being of teenagers in Jamaica.
Your feedback, ratings, likes, and comments play a pivotal role in raising awareness, igniting engaging discussions, and effecting positive change in the lives of young people. We sincerely appreciate your presence on this transformative journey and your unwavering support.
Together, we can create a world where mental health takes center stage, fostering understanding, and nurturing the well-being of all.
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