Stating that “difficult conversations can save lives”, the head of a youth-led mental health advocacy group has urged young Caribbean advocates to embrace open dialogue and shared responsibility in tackling suicide prevention.

Dr David Johnson, president of Let’s Unpack It, was speaking at Suicide Prevention: A Conversation with Caribbean Youth, a youth-focused forum held ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

The event brought together young people from across the region to confront stigma, share experiences and push for systemic change.

“In a region where suicide is still treated as a taboo topic, where young people are facing a myriad number of challenges and stressors that heighten their risk, and where we’re still lagging behind on the implementation of national suicide prevention strategies, your presence here signals that you care,” Johnson told participants gathered at the Barbados office of the Pan American Health Organisation.

He urged attendees not to treat the conversation as a one-off observance, but as a catalyst for action.

“These spaces are not just about marking a day,” he said. “They’re about reevaluating our approach, changing the narrative around suicide, and mobilising the systemic change that will make it easier for young people to access life-saving care and support.”

Johnson emphasised that suicide prevention is not solely the responsibility of governments or health professionals.

“Let us embrace it as a moral responsibility that falls on all of us,” Johnson said. “It starts with how we show up for each other, how we listen, how we notice changes, and how we respond when someone is hurting.”

He urged young people to build strong communities of support and not shy away from uncomfortable moments. “Difficult conversations can save lives,” he said.

Johnson also called on Caribbean governments to strengthen their efforts by adopting evidence-based strategies grounded in the World Health Organisation’s Live Life approach – strategies that empower young people to claim their right to mental health and access high-quality care without fear or stigma. (SB)

The post Youth advocates urged to lead the charge on suicide prevention appeared first on Barbados Today.

View the full post Facing reality: Why our Age of Civil Responsibility Bill matters on NOW Grenada.

View the full post GFNC in Carriacou: Curious Little Hands in the Kitchen on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Carnival message from Minister of Youth and Mental Health on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Children’s Rights and Gender Equality Bills provoke public debate on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Statement by Peter David, Political Leader of D Movement on NOW Grenada.

The bill does not erode healthy parental relationships; it provides adolescents with rights in family situations where they need them

View the full post Parental consent and incest on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Opposition not supporting bill to reduce Age of Civil Responsibility on NOW Grenada.

If this bill becomes law, it is a provision in the interest of teenagers who do not enjoy the parental guidance they deserve

View the full post Access to reproductive healthcare 18–16–12 on NOW Grenada.

View the full post Government seeks to reduce age to access sexual and reproductive health treatment on NOW Grenada.