Children Growing Up in a New World
On World Mental Health Day 2025 (October 10), Hon. Vincent O. Wheatley urged renewed focus on youth mental health under the theme 'Access to Services, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies'. He called for a whole-of-society response as children and adolescents in the Virgin Islands face new pressures from economic uncertainty, social media, and the aftermath of disasters.
Wheatley used the observance of World Mental Health Day 2025, on October 10, to underline the urgency of improving mental health support for children and adolescents in the Virgin Islands. Speaking under this year’s theme, 'Access to Services, Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies', Wheatley said ensuring timely and equitable access to care is essential for young people and for building resilient communities. "Prioritising their mental well-being is essential not only for their personal development, but also for building resilient communities capable of thriving in the face of adversity," he said, noting that children today are growing up "in a world far different from the one we experienced." Wheatley highlighted troubling regional trends that affect the Territory: depression and anxiety rank among the top five causes of years lived with disability for young people, suicide is the leading cause of death among those aged 15 to 29, and half of all mental illnesses begin by age 14.
He warned that these issues are often amplified by economic pressures, the impact of social media, and the effects of natural disasters and global crises. Locally, Wheatley said residents have seen how catastrophic events and everyday pressures can undermine young people’s sense of stability. "Some have lost loved ones, others have faced disruptive schooling, and many continue to cope with invisible burdens that they did not always know how to express," he said.
The minister urged a whole-of-society response. "Families, schools, churches, and workplaces all play a vital role in creating an environment where children feel safe to express their emotions and seek help when needed," Wheatley said. He encouraged parents and guardians to listen closely for changes in mood or behaviour, and called on young people to look out for one another.
Wheatley reaffirmed that the Ministry of Health and Social Development continues to prioritise mental health as a key pillar of sustainable development and urged investment in services that reach children quickly, especially during and after emergencies. "Mentally healthy children are more likely to succeed in school, build strong relationships, and grow into adults who contribute positively to society," he said.
He closed with a call to action for the Territory: to build a culture of understanding and compassion so "no child feels alone and no young person is left without support," and to give every young person the tools to thrive in an increasingly complex world.
Primary source: VINO