An expert warned Friday that silence and societal indifference are costing lives, as he called for Barbadians to confront the stigma surrounding mental health.
Eddie Smith, senior counsellor and mental health nurse at the Centre for Counselling Addiction Support Alternatives (CASA), told Barbados TODAY on Friday that the country must move towards a culture in which mental health is discussed openly and compassionately, particularly within the workplace.
“We’re not opening up yet at all,” Smith said at CASA’s Westbury Road headquarters. “Barbadian society is still very closed when it comes to these issues. People prefer to try and manage their problems quietly and tell others to ‘mind their own business.’ But when it comes to mental health, that approach is not working—people are suffering in silence until it reaches a crisis point.”
His appeal comes as CASA, which typically supports between 65 and 75 clients each year, reports a noticeable uptick in individuals seeking help due to poor mental health challenges. Smith noted that many only come forward when they are already on the brink.
“Previously, people managed to deal with their problems quietly. But now, even if they recognise they’re struggling, they don’t talk about it. They bury it and try to cope until they simply can’t anymore. Unfortunately, by the time professionals are involved, it’s often too late.”
But stigma—particularly in the workplace—remains a serious barrier to early intervention, he stressed.
“Managers need to foster environments where staff feel safe enough to open up and where they themselves can respond with empathy rather than judgement,” he said, pointing to absenteeism, presenteeism or sudden drops in productivity as signs of deeper emotional distress.
“These are symptoms of anxiety, depression or other mental health conditions,” he explained.
Smith argued that, in contrast to physical ailments, mental health issues are still shrouded in shame.
“People would talk about their diabetes or arthritis before they mention anything about their mental health. Mental health is still seen as something shameful, even though it’s just as critical as any physical condition.”
Public education, he stressed, must be central to changing attitudes.
“We need to talk about mental health in the same way we talk about diabetic foot or high blood pressure. Depression, anxiety, schizophrenia—these are all conditions that need to be demystified.”
Smith commended the Ministry of Health and Wellness for beginning to decentralise mental health services by integrating them into polyclinics—allowing individuals to seek support without the stigma often associated with visiting the Psychiatric Hospital.
“That kind of decentralisation is key,” he said. “You should be able to go to a polyclinic with a mental health concern just like you would for a sore throat. And organisations like CASA can help bridge the gap—if we identify symptoms, we can call the polyclinic directly and help someone get seen immediately.”
Referring to this week’s beach incident— where a young man lost his life — Smith warned of the tragic consequences of an indifferent society.
“We will continue to have people walking naked into the sea and no one noticing—or doing anything about it—if we don’t change our attitude. That’s the heartbreaking truth. For too long, we’ve ridiculed and laughed at people in mental distress. That has to stop. The more we talk about it, the more ordinary people will recognise when someone needs help—and maybe we can save a life.” (SZB)
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, support is available. For help in a crisis, contact the national mental health hotline at 536-4500; CASA Barbados Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 264-7151 (5 pm-11 pm), the Psychiatric Hospital assessment unit at 536-3091 or the Youth Support Hotline (Ministry of Youth) at 539- 4357 (539-HELP).
Always seek advice from a qualified mental health professional regarding any concerns. Never delay seeking help because of something you have read or were told.
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