Mental Health Matters

GRAND BAHAMA, BAHAMAS – The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a 25 percent increase in anxiety and depression worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.

Similarly, Bahamians were face with uncertainty, anxiety and stress. A Grand Bahama-based organization founded before is working to help Bahamians rise above the challenges and work together for a resilient future.

Kristina Dragovich tells us more.

From the devastation of Hurricane Dorian in 2019 to the pandemic in 2020, The Bahamas resilience center has made mental health the focus from day one.

Jennifer Barnaby, the program and partnership manager at The Bahamas Resilience Center knows talking about mental health is a difficult, but necessary part of life.

Dr. Andy Laing is the Clinical Consultant for The Bahamas Resilience Center. He says during school visits, students always have a number of questions about mental health and illness.

But the fact is mental health still carries a stigma and is not something that people openly talk about.

Dr. Laing, who is also an assistant professor at the University of The Bahamas, explains a mental health checkup is a small step that may have big results.

Although located on Grand Bahama, The Bahamas Resilience Center goes beyond borders, with virtual services available.