HRC calls for more support for troubled teens

| 05/10/2015 | 7 Comments

teen abuse(CNS): Local human rights experts have raised concerns about the lack of support for teenagers in Cayman suffering from mental health problems and the amount of abuse they are being subjected to. Having reviewed the recent reports from the World Health Organisation on Mental Health and the PAHO Adolescent Health and Sexuality, the Human Rights Commission said government must work towards ensuring young people in Cayman have every opportunity to succeed in society.

“This includes the emotional support required to handle feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression and suicidal thoughts,” the commission members said in a release last week. “Without such support the incidences of young persons turning to drugs, alcohol and violence will continue to increase.”

WHO report exposes mental health inadequacies

Cayman teens facing violence and abuse

The HRC welcomed the moves government is making towards implementing a mental health policy, human rights training for people working with the mentally ill and creating a dedicated facility, but said the lack of services for the young is a significant problem and urged government to address the gaps.

HRC’s Statement on the Report on the Adolescent Health and Sexuality (2013) Survey, October 2015

HRC’s Statement on the World Health Organisation Assessment Instrument for Mental Health Systems (WHO-AIMS) Report, October 2015

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Category: Mental Health

Comments (7)

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  1. GG says:

    It is no secret that teenagers/ young adults can be risk-takers who don’t always recognize the consequences of their actions. Drug and alcohol experimentation is often highest during these critical formative years. Teens are more likely to perceive social benefits of drug use (such as being accepted among peers or feeling more social) than they are to evaluate the negative effects. Absolutely! Early intervention is necessary but not always done but once it becomes an ‘issue’, it should not be ignored – the problem will not just disappear; it will escalate to the point where we loose our youth. As adults; parents, guardians, teachers, employers(ees) and peers, the onus is on each of us to reach out to these individuals that are hurting, broken, in despair and crying out for our help and HELP them. Compassion goes a long way and can be the key element to restoring what once was and can be. Our youth are our future – let’s work together to ensure they have the best start! To all the young adults struggling, please don’t give up; keep fighting the good fight. Let go and let God!
    “But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26

  2. I can relate says:

    I agree. This is a very important topic. A lot of young persons are suffering mentally and unfortunately without help many of us – yes myself included suffer from young until we are adults. Its very hard to explain the turmoil in one’s head that is suffering. So hard and we do hit rock bottom but not everyone is strong enough to get back up.

    I struggle each day so I’m happy to know that help will become more available for sufferers.

  3. SAM says:

    The number of comments on this extremely important issue will show the priorities in this country. education and physical/ mental health of the children must be a #1 priority with the Dump coming on second.
    Erin’s Law” in the US requires that all public schools in each state implement a prevention-oriented child sexual abuse program. Something to look into for CIG.
    I don’t know who said that, but “The measure of a civilization is how it treats its weakest members.”
    How civilized the Cayman Islands is?

    • Anonymous says:

      As a general rule every statute named after a victim should presumed to be ineffective and often counterproductive.

    • BK says:

      WOW Really ?? 3 Trolls so far? This is and indication of how unimportant, naive and misinformed our people are regarding this IMPORTANT AND CRUCIAL TOPIC. This is serious and this is our future and this is how people really feel about this so much so that we become dxmn trolls for highlighting it??! IF this was trolled by our own. this and the attention this is getting (ie no attention ) is a Clear indication of how foolish our people are and the direction the island is going in…sure glad I moved ! Sorry love my country but this is SAD AND ALARMING to say the least.

  4. Anonymous says:

    Do a physical check throughout the schools and find out how many are abusing drugs and may be, just maybe you will get a better understanding of the problems. Isn’t all this hype something NEW? Check it out.

    • Anonymous says:

      What is your point. Those with mental health issues have a much higher risk of drug abuse and addiction. You seem to be trying to say it is the other way round.

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