#BTColumn – Address mental health issues Article by May 14, 2021 Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by this author are their own and do not represent the official position of the Barbados Today Inc. by the Barbados Youth Development Council “Over the last twelve months, eight of the country’s suspected suicides claimed persons under the age of forty, of those eight, four were teenagers.” – Smith, K. (2021, February 19). Mental health chief worries young people not coping. Barbados TODAY. The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest global crisis that many young people have witnessed and have been required to navigate. This crisis has disrupted the lives of every person as measures to limit the spread of the virus, such as school closures and restricted movement, became necessary to protect the lives of our citizens. Yet, the impact of these measures on the mental health of Barbadians, especially young people have been overlooked but requires a clear and coordinated approach to curb its long-term consequences.