Mental health experts are urging citizens, especially parents, to closely monitor children, for any sudden change in behaviour or mood, as this could indicate the onset of mental illness.

The call was made by representative of the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) Dr. Bernadette Theodore Ghandi, in a message read by Dr. Michelle Harris, the advisor for non-communicable diseases and mental health.

She was speaking today (Oct 12) at the National Conference held at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester, under the theme, “Young people and mental health in a changing world”, part of activities to mark the observance of world mental health week.

Dr. Harris highlighted various factors that cause young people to become stressed, such as disasters, family challenges, and bullying.

She also noted tendencies for these issues to result in anxiety and suicides.

Dr. Harris said today’s young people are growing up in a world that is different from that of older generations.

Dr. Harris stressed the importance of recognizing the symptoms of emotional disorders.

She cited the need for programmes that involve children, parents, and the wider community.

Meantime, the Chairman of the Southern Regional Health Authority has urged the government to find ways to supplement the work of psychologists to address issues of mental health, in the country.

Wayne Chen noted that similar to reports that for every one school guidance counsellor, there are about 600 students, for every psychologist, there are about 70,000 citizens.

He was speaking today at the national conference on mental health held at the Golf View Hotel in Mandeville, Manchester.

Mr. Chen said one such strategy is to increase public awareness.