Investing in Mental Health: A Critical Economic and Social Imperative for Latin America and the Caribbean

Investing in Mental Health: A Critical Economic and Social Imperative for Latin America and the Caribbean

Mental health is a pressing public health challenge and a major economic concern for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health and substance use disorders, along with rising suicide rates, have emerged as leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability in the region. Disturbingly, more than ten adolescents lose their lives to suicide every day. The social repercussions are signif…

Investing in Mental Health: An economic and social imperative for Latin America and the Caribbean - Caribbean News Global

By Jeremy Veillard and Daniela Romero Mental health represents a significant public health challenge and a critical economic and social issue for countries in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic. Mental health and substance use disorders, along with suicide, have become leading causes of mortality, morbidity, and disability in the region. This burden disproportionately affects young people, with mo…