Prioritizing Wellbeing for Vulnerable Children and Youth in Latin America and the Caribbean
As we observe Mental Health Day, it is important to focus on the mental health challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly children and youth under protective measures and families in vulnerable circumstances. In countries where NPH works, like Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Bolivia, the mental health crisis among marginalized populations is a significant concern, exacerbated by factors such as poverty, violence, gender inequality, and limited access to healthcare services. The mental health burden in Haiti is particularly high, and these factors contribute to a critical need for intervention.
The Mental Health Landscape in Vulnerable Populations
Children and youth who have experienced trauma, violence, abuse, or neglect often face higher risks of developing mental health disorders. In Latin America and the Caribbean, the numbers reflect this stark reality. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health disorders account for 16% of the global burden of disease among individuals aged 10-19, with depression being one of the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents worldwide. In countries with high levels of violence and instability, such as El Salvador and Honduras, mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are common among youth.
In Guatemala, over 50% of children live in extreme poverty, which severely impacts their mental health. A study by UNICEF showed that 35% of children in the country display signs of anxiety, depression, or behavioral disorders. Similarly, studies indicate that 44% of youth living in residential care in Haiti have experienced severe emotional trauma. These statistics underline the urgent need for mental health initiatives that address the unique challenges faced by children and youth in these regions.
Gender Equality: A Crucial Factor for Mental Health
Gender inequality plays a pivotal role in exacerbating mental health issues, particularly for young women and girls. Gender-based violence, limited access to education, and societal expectations often restrict girls’ opportunities and mental wellbeing. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has highlighted that young women in Latin America are twice as likely to experience depression and anxiety as their male counterparts.
In El Salvador and Honduras, where rates of gender-based violence are some of the highest in the world, mental health outcomes for girls and young women are particularly concerning. This reflects the need for integrated mental health programs that not only provide psychological support but also promote gender equality and empower girls to break cycles of violence and poverty.
On the other hand, the rate of suicide among men is significantly higher than among women. According to PAHO, 79% of all suicides in the Americas occur among men. Factors contributing to higher male suicide rates include societal expectations, unemployment, substance use, and access to lethal means like firearms. These factors often impact men more heavily than women, contributing to the gender gap in suicide rates. Preventative measures such as improving access to mental health care, addressing unemployment, and implementing gender-sensitive policies could help mitigate these disparities.
Stigma and Discrimination in Mental Health
Stigma and discrimination are among the most significant barriers to accessing mental health care worldwide, including in Latin America. These societal attitudes can prevent individuals from seeking help, exacerbate mental health conditions, and contribute to the marginalization of already vulnerable populations.
- Social Isolation: Individuals with mental health conditions are often excluded from social, professional, and community life due to negative stereotypes.
- Reduced Access to Care: Fear of being labeled as “mentally ill” can prevent people from seeking care. Studies show that 9 out of 10 people with mental health problems face stigma and discrimination that significantly delays them from accessing treatment.
- Worsening of Symptoms: When people are not encouraged to seek help due to stigma, their symptoms can worsen, leading to chronic mental health conditions or crises such as suicide.
- Men are often discouraged from expressing emotions or seeking help due to societal pressures to conform to ideals of masculinity, which can lead to the internalization of problems and higher suicide rates.
- Women, on the other hand, may face stigma related to perceptions of “emotional weakness” when discussing mental health issues, compounded by a higher risk of violence, trauma, and poverty.
- In Latin America, around 65% of people with mental health conditions report experiencing discrimination in personal relationships, work, and housing. Discrimination makes recovery more difficult and reinforces societal barriers, such as exclusion from education, employment, or community life.
A study conducted by PAHO revealed that 75% of people with mental health issues in Latin America do not receive any treatment. Barriers to access are pronounced, as limited mental health services, particularly in rural and impoverished areas, mean that only a small portion of the population receives the care they need. In countries like Guatemala and Honduras, mental health services are scarce and underfunded, with only 0.37 psychiatrists per 100,000 people in some regions.
NPH Mental Health Initiatives
As an organization that provides residential care and community programs for vulnerable children, youth, and families across Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Honduras, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and Bolivia, we have a duty to prioritize mental health in our care model. Over the years, we have implemented several key initiatives aimed at improving mental wellbeing:
- Trauma-Informed Care in Residential Programs: Our programs adopt trauma-informed practices to provide children and youth with a safe and nurturing environment. We offer access to mental health professionals, including psychologists and therapists, to help address trauma, anxiety, and depression.
- Gender Equality and Empowerment Programs: In line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 5, we have introduced empowerment programs for young women and girls, as well as for boys and young men. These programs focus on leadership, self-esteem, life skills, human rights, gender equality, healthy relationships, self-care, and decision-making, which are critical factors for improving mental health outcomes.
- Community-Based Mental Health Support: Our community programs extend psychosocial services to families in vulnerable circumstances. By collaborating with local health professionals or our psychosocial local teams, we ensure that children and parents receive the support they need.
- Capacity Building for Local Teams: One of our key strategies has been to invest in the capacity development of local caregivers, teachers, psychologists, social workers, and therapists. We provide ongoing training in trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, and psychosocial support to ensure that our teams can respond effectively to the mental health needs of the populations we serve.
- Psychosocial Approach in Our Services: This approach is vital for addressing the mental health needs of children in residential care, families undergoing reintegration, and vulnerable communities. By focusing on the whole person and the broader social environment, these services foster resilience, promote emotional well-being, and create pathways for sustainable recovery.
Mental health is a human right, and as we mark Mental Health Day, we must reaffirm our commitment to protecting the mental wellbeing of vulnerable children and youth. Through mental health literacy, trauma-informed care, gender equality initiatives, abuse prevention campaigns and protocols, and collaboration with local communities, we can create lasting change for the populations we serve. Let us continue to work together to ensure that every child and young person, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the mental health care they deserve.