Survey shows rising costs affecting mental health

A Democratic Labour Party (DLP) survey has found that the rising cost of living is having a negative impact on the mental health of Barbadians.

DLP president Dr Ronnie Yearwood reported on the findings of the survey on the cost of living situation in Barbados during a health fair held at the party’s headquarters, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation, on Friday.

“We know that we would find some kind of data but it was still surprising that so many people were open in the survey to say actually their mental health was being negatively affected by the cost of living. So it’s a real concern when we think about it,” he said.

Yearwood told members of the media at the George Street Auditorium that the DLP had offered proposals to the Government that could help it manage the cost of living challenge.

He said the proposals address both the physical and mental well-being of residents.

“If you can pay your light bill, if you can buy food easier, if you can feed your family, that reduces stress and leaves you open to having a happier and healthier life,” the DLP leader said.

“We can easily tell people ‘turn off the lights, open your fridge less’. Really, it’s for the Government to come up with the serious solutions, whether it is providing cuts in the fuel cost, whether it is trying to come up with incentives to help people through these difficult times, whether it is providing ease in other areas, because you don’t necessarily have to provide an ease directly for light but if you are providing an ease in something else, then it allows some persons to have the ability to address their light bills,” he added.

Meantime, Dr Yearwood urged Barbadians to find out their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and get regular health checks. (AH)