Mental health lifeline’s high usage seen as positive sign

The high usage of Barbados’ national mental health hotline, Lifeline Barbados, indicates a positive shift in the country’s attitude towards mental health, according to the Barbados Society of Psychology (BSP).

BSP President Dr Mia Jules described as “heartening” the news that the lifeline had received more than 6 000 calls since it began operating in April 2024, as she responded to information shared by Minister of Health and Wellness, Senator Jerome Walcott, at the 69th CARPHA Health Research Conference on Wednesday.

She said the hotline’s high usage was a positive sign since it indicated people are acknowledging their mental health needs.

“This vital service has long been overdue,” Dr Jules told Barbados TODAY. “Its increasing utilisation is a promising sign that more individuals are recognising when their mental health is being compromised and are reaching out for support. This shift reflects an encouraging change in our collective attitudes towards mental wellness.”

She expressed agreement with the statement made by Senator Walcott when, in his address to health professionals on Wednesday, he praised Lifeline Barbados as “a vital step towards ensuring accessible mental healthcare for all persons.”

Dr Jules added, “We must continue to champion efforts that bring it within everyone’s reach.”

The BSP leader pointed to multiple contributing factors behind the surge in hotline use, including lingering psychological effects from the COVID-19 pandemic, growing awareness of emotional distress signs among citizens, and rising socioeconomic stressors. A particularly concerning trend she noted, however, was the escalation of work-related mental health complaints.

“Within our professional circles, we are also seeing a rise in concerns about toxic work environments. More and more, employees are reporting workplace abuse and documenting these experiences through formal channels such as Human Resources. However, many describe feeling abandoned or dismissed by management, particularly when the harmful behaviour persists unchecked. These unresolved issues are driving significant distress and highlight the urgent need for stronger mental health support in occupational settings,” she said.

Dr Jules encouraged Barbadians to see mental health as an issue that goes beyond mental illness. “Mental health… encompasses wellness, advantageous psychological resources and results in positive behaviours and ensures healthy functioning. Therefore, rather than thinking of mental health as an epidemic we must celebrate the mental health and wellness of our people and empower them to be proactive and build their mental health resiliencies.”

To advance that goal, Dr Jules announced, the BSP is hosting, in collaboration with the Caribbean Alliance of National Psychological Associations (CANPA), the 6th Caribbean Regional Conference of Psychology (CRCP2025) under the theme Building Mental Health Resiliencies, Empowering Our Communities. The conference will be held June 9-13 at the Accra Beach Hotel and Spa and is expected to attract clinicians, researchers, educators, consultants, and graduate students from across the region.

shamarblunt@barbadostoday.bb