By Fr Stephan Alexander

General Manager, CCSJ and AMMR

In recent months, Trinidad and Tobago has seen a heartbreaking increase in suicides among our youth. Each life lost is a painful reminder that many of our children and young people are struggling in silence.

As a society, we must ask ourselves: are we doing enough? Are we truly listening? Are we providing the support they need to heal and thrive?

Mental health is not just a personal issue; it is a social justice issue. Human dignity isn’t earned, and it cannot be extinguished. It is a reality of our humanity. Every person, regardless of age or background, has the right to be seen, heard, and supported.

If we believe in the dignity of every human life, then we must take responsibility—not just as individuals but as families, communities, and a nation—to protect our young people from despair. We can no longer afford to ignore the warning signs or dismiss their pain as a passing phase.

Parents are the first line of defence in their children’s lives. They are called to create homes that are not just physically safe but emotionally and mentally secure. Too often, children suffer in silence because they fear judgement, punishment, or rejection.

Silence is also a go-to trait for youth who are forced to endure difficult home lives devoid of love, stability, and structure. As parents, we must listen without condemnation, speak with kindness, and seek to understand rather than dismiss. We must reflect on the realities of our households and how our children are affected by the dynamics of these situations.

Our young people need to know that their feelings matter, that their struggles are valid and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but of courage. Families should encourage open conversations about emotions, stress, and anxiety, helping children develop the tools to cope with life’s challenges.

Seeking professional or external help should not be seen as a last resort but as a responsible and necessary step when a child is in distress.

No child should feel alone in their struggles. The wider community—including schools, churches, sports clubs, and neighbourhood groups—must take an active role in supporting mental well-being.

Teachers and educators should be trained to recognise signs of distress in students and respond with empathy and action. Spiritual support is essential and must be prioritised.

However, religious communities should also be aware of the need for additional support when ministering to persons suffering from anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

We must continue to aggressively address the stigma surrounding mental health. Too many young people are afraid to speak up because they fear being labelled as ‘mad’, ‘crazy’, ‘weak’ or ‘troubled’.

Our communities must foster a culture where it is normal to talk about emotions, seek therapy, and support one another without shame or fear.

As a nation, we must commit to making mental health a priority. This means investing in accessible, high-quality mental health services, especially for young people.

Too often, those in crisis find that there are too few trained counsellors in schools, too long a wait for professional help, and too little awareness about where to turn.

The State must ensure that mental health services are fully integrated into our public health system, with dedicated support for children and teenagers.

Suicide prevention programmes must be expanded, and hotlines must be properly staffed and widely advertised. Additionally, social services should work closely with at-risk families to provide the necessary interventions before it is too late.

We all have a role to play in ensuring that no young person feels so lost that they see no way forward. Parents must build homes filled with love and understanding. Communities—especially our church parishes—must stand together to break the silence around mental health. The government must take bold steps to improve mental health care and provide real resources for those in need.

This is not just about preventing tragedy; it is about creating a society where every child knows they are valued and that there is hope, even in the darkest moments. The time for action is now. Let us commit to being a nation that protects, nurtures, and uplifts its young people—not just in words, but in concrete, meaningful ways. This is our call as pilgrims of hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out.

Help is available, and you are not alone.

The CCSJ asks for your support.

Please donate:

Catholic Commission for Social Justice

Account #: 290 458 025 501

Bank: Republic Bank Ltd.

or you can contact us at:

admin.ccsj@catholictt.org

Photo by Stormseeker on Unsplash