Jamaica is facing an alarming rise in mental-health issues among its youth, with increasing numbers of adolescents presenting with suicidal thoughts and attempts. Health experts have linked this crisis to the growing misuse of substances like psilocybin mushrooms and other stimulants. Psychiatrist Professor Wendel Abel has sounded the alarm, urging immediate action to address the surge in drug-related psychosis and strengthen mental-health support for young people. The need for updated regulations and increased awareness is critical to safeguarding the future of Jamaica’s youth.

Mushrooming mental health crisis

Abel sounds alarm, calls for action as youth substance abuse surges

Jamaica Gleaner/16 Oct 2024/Janet Silvera/senior Gleaner Writer 

JAMAICA IS grappling with an escalating crisis as emergency rooms witness a surge in young patients suffering from psychosis and other severe mental health issues linked to substance abuse.

A growing concern among health experts is the misuse of psilocybin mushrooms, commonly referred to as “magic mushrooms”, especially among adolescents. This issue was highlighted last Saturday by a leading voice on mental health in Jamaica, Professor Wendel Abel, during the Mental Health Week of activities at the AC Hotel in St Andrew.

Sounding the alarm about the dire state of youth mental health, Abel, a psychiatrist, stated, “We see a crisis in terms of youth mental health. Every day, we are faced with high numbers of adolescents presenting with suicidal ideation or attempts.”

He pointed to the rising prevalence of new drugs, including psilocybin mushrooms, and expressed concerns over the lack of regulation and awareness surrounding their use.

While psilocybin mushrooms remain a controlled substance internationally, the Dangerous Drugs Act in Jamaica does not specifically list it and other psychedelics. This has led to widespread confusion, with many interpreting their absence from the law as an indication of legality.

“Because of this perception, we’ve seen an increase in the number of people selling products like mushroom gummies, cookies, and other edibles, often marketed in ways that attract young people,” Abel explained.

The unregulated nature of these products poses significant risks, as the concentration of psilocybin is often unknown, and the packaging fails to provide accurate labelling. Many of these edibles are sold in forms that appeal to youth, making them an easy target for young people seeking an escape or a “high”.

Psilocybin mushrooms – a naturally occurring psychedelic – can have mindaltering effects, causing hallucinations and distorted perceptions. Although some preliminary studies suggest that psilocybin could potentially help treat mental health conditions such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, Abel cautioned against embracing the drug without solid research backing.

“We don’t have substantial evidence to support its safe use at this point in time,” he warned.

ALARMING TREND

“We are witnessing a troubling number of cases where young people suffer from psychotic breakdowns. It’s becoming an alarming trend, and it’s vital that we act now to protect them,” Abel urged. Abel highlighted the urgent need to update the Dangerous Drugs Act to include psilocybin mushrooms, and introduce stricter regulations for producers, marketers, and sellers of mushroom-based products.

He also emphasised the responsibility of medical professionals who may promote psilocybin use without the necessary research or oversight.

“Any promotion of these substances must be based on empirical evidence and adhere to international standards of care,” said the psychiatrist, adding that the public health system must work to safeguard young people and ensure that they are not misled by the growing availability of these products.

While ganja has long been associated with mental health challenges in Jamaica, the rise of psilocybin mushroom use has added a new layer of complexity to the issue. Both substances can cause psychosis, but the increasing popularity of mushrooms, particularly in the form of edibles, is creating fresh challenges for healthcare professionals.

In addition to mushrooms, other stimulants like Molly (MDMA) are gaining traction among Jamaica’s youth, exacerbating the mental health crisis. The combination of these drugs, easy access, and poor awareness of the potential harms makes for a volatile situation, particularly as emergency rooms are already grappling with these new drugs.

Abel’s call to action highlights the critical need for Jamaica to take immediate steps to address this growing crisis. Strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing surveillance, and ensuring that healthcare professionals are equipped to deal with substance-related mental health issues are just the first steps.

“We must ensure that we are not only treating the symptoms but also tackling the root causes of this crisis,” Abel concluded. “Our young people’s future depends on it.”

 

For feedback: contact the Editorial Department at onlinefeedback@gleanerjm.com.