Adolescent Mental Health Research Collaboration

The Adolescent Mental Health in Bermuda research project [AMHB] announced its “successful collaboration with eight schools across the island, and an agreement with the Government of Bermuda to work with the public schools.”

A spokesperson said, “The research began data collection in September 2022 with the intention of better understanding how common symptoms of anxiety and depression are in Bermuda’s students. The survey study is investigating teens’ attitudes towards seeking help for mental health and what services could support them to get better. Knowing this data can better shape how mental health services in Bermuda approach the adolescent community to get help for their mental health.

Dr. Shawnee Basden and Mr. Daniel Cavanagh

“Six schools and over 1,200 students have completed the survey including students from Somersfield Academy, Bermuda Centre for Creative Learning, Mount Saint Agnes Academy, Bermuda High School, Warwick Academy and Bermuda Institute for Seventh Day Adventists, with Chatmore International School and Saltus Academy scheduled in the next month.

“The Commissioner of Education, Mrs. Kalmar Richards, is pleased to be working with the research team from the University of Melbourne and is confident that the results of the survey will be beneficial for the island’s adolescents.”

Commissioner Richards said: “This is a project we are pleased to collaborate with. Understanding the mental health landscape of adolescents will be key to developing policies and programs at Bermuda Public Schools”

The spokesperson said, “The research team is now working with public schools to schedule the survey and is expected to have the results by the end of the year. The research team is also planning to hold a series of public forums with schools to discuss the results, as well as provide a summary report to both the Department of Education and the Department of Health.

“The first two public schools to run the survey will be CedarBridge Academy and the Berkeley Institute. The research team will then connect with public middle schools in the summer term.

“The Director of Health, Mr. David Kendell, has explained data obtained from this research may benefit the work of the Department of Health.”

Mr Kendell explained: “The Bermuda community can use the data from the survey in a variety of ways. For example:

• 1. Raising awareness: The data can be used to raise awareness about mental health issues among adolescents in the community. This can help to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness and encourage more young people to seek help when they need it.

• 2. Identifying disparities: The data can be used to identify disparities in mental health among different subgroups of adolescents in the community. This can help to address equity concerns and ensure that mental health services are accessible to all young people.

• 3. Advocacy: The data can be used to advocate for policy changes and funding for mental health programs for adolescents.

• 4. Planning and evaluating programs: The data can be used to inform the development of mental health programs and services for adolescents; Existing programs can be adjusted if needed.

• 5. Identifying areas of concern: The data may be used to identify specific mental health issues that are prevalent among the adolescent population in the community. This information can help community leaders and organizations to prioritize resources and develop targeted interventions.”

The spokesperson said, “If you would like to know more, contact the research team and watch out for information coming to your local school. You can email Mr. Daniel Cavanagh at d.cavanagh@student.unimelb.edu.au or Dr. Shawnee Basden at Shawnee.Basden@bhb.bm for more information. This study is being supported by the Durhager Family Programme Fund and the Uplands Discretionary Trust.”

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