KRALENDIJK - Nearly a quarter of Mental Health Caribbean’s clients are under eighteen years old. Demand for mental health care among children and young people on the BES islands has been growing for years, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to Kathelijne van den Boogert, director of Mental Health Caribbean, responding in the UNICEF Youth Advisory Report 2026.
In that report, young people on Bonaire, Sint Eustatius and Saba identify mental health as their biggest concern. Van den Boogert recognises that picture from daily practice. Currently, 24 percent of the organisation’s clients are minors. Growing populations and rising demand for care have led to waiting lists.
Stress, anxiety and bullying
Among young people, Mental Health Caribbean most commonly sees psychosocial problems — issues where psychological complaints and the social environment influence one another. These include stress, sadness, anxiety, loneliness, bullying, and difficulties at home or at school.
Bullying comes up regularly during treatment sessions. "Young people tell us that bullying often happens at moments when there is little supervision — such as after school, while they are waiting to be picked up," says Van den Boogert.
She advocates for more therapists as well as investment in prevention: early recognition of problems, tackling poverty, and accessible support. "If problems are identified and addressed sooner, young people can get help more quickly. In many cases, that can prevent the need for more intensive care later on."
Young people themselves point in the report to a shortage of psychologists and therapists. On the smaller islands, privacy is also a factor: some hesitate to seek help because everyone knows each other. "Therapists could come from outside the island," says a fifteen-year-old girl from Saba.
Read the report UNICEF Jongerenadvies 2026 here.
