An event focusing on the mental wellbeing of children and services available in Bermuda is to be held this month.

The second annual Children’s Mental Health Awareness Fair will be hosted by the Child and Adolescent Services team at the Bermuda Hospitals Board.

It was designed to teach middle and high school students about services available to help them with a variety of mental health concerns while exposing them to potential careers in the field.

Vakita Basden, a child and adolescent services clinical manager, said: “The most common disorders among our clients are attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression.

“Children’s mental health matters because it shapes their present wellbeing, future prospects and the broader fabric of society.

“By prioritising mental health support and resources for our youth, we can foster healthier, happier individuals and communities for generations to come.”

According to the 2021 World Health Organisation Report, one in seven adolescents experienced mental illness globally that year.

The document listed suicide as the fourth leading cause of death for people aged between 15 and 29, while depression, anxiety and behavioural disorders were said to be the leading cause of mental illness among adolescents.

Jascinth Albouy-Onyia, the BHB’s assistant clinical director of mental health, said: “We believe that children have the unique ability to thrive in the face of adversity, with each new day presenting an opportunity for growth and change.

“We provide services to families and their children who are four to 18 years old, and have a moderate to severe presentation of mental health symptoms that impact their social, vocational and educational functioning.

“We provide our clients with sessions in locales that best meet their needs. Some are seen in the department for their appointments, some in other locations.

“We always aim to meet their needs and respect their right to privacy”.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health and the WHO, children’s mental health impacts lifelong wellbeing, academic success, social development, physical health, long-term outcomes, family dynamics and community wellbeing.

The fair will be held on May 9 at the Bermuda College from 10am to 1pm and will include partners from Solstice, Bermuda College and the Department of Education.

Residents were also encouraged to wear green on May 10, which is Mental Health Awareness Day.

• For more information about Child and Adolescent Services, call 239-6344 or e-mail cas.referrals@bhb.bm