Parents invited to three-island workshops on youth mental health

The Virgin Islands Department of Education is hosting three free workshops next week aimed at equipping parents and guardians with tools to identify mental health struggles in children and know where to seek help.

The interactive sessions run October 13 to 15 across the territory. St. John's event takes place Tuesday at Julius E. Sprauve School cafeteria; St. Thomas hosts its session Wednesday at Ruth E. Thomas Auditorium at Charlotte Amalie High School; and St. Croix's workshop is Thursday at St. Croix Educational Complex High School auditorium. All three begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m.

Dr. Vincentia Paul-Constantin, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor, will facilitate the sessions titled "Addressing Students' Wellness & Suicidality." The Department of Education said the workshops will explore current patterns in student wellness, identify signs that a young person may be struggling emotionally or at risk of suicide, and outline concrete actions parents can take when worried about a child's wellbeing. Attendees will also learn what support services exist across the islands and how to build protective environments both at home and in schools.

Dynel Lang, Director of Parent and Community Engagement and Positive School Climate, emphasized the role families play in student wellbeing. "When families are equipped to recognize warning signs, initiate difficult conversations, and know where to turn for help, they are better positioned to support their children," Lang said in a statement.

The workshops align with a wider push to address youth mental health in the territory. The Department of Health rolled out the "I Geh You" suicide prevention campaign in May, targeting people aged 14 to 26 and providing resources for parents and caregivers. That effort promotes the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a free service staffed by trained counselors available day and night. Residents can call or text 988 to reach a crisis counselor.

For more details about the workshops, parents can reach Lang at (340) 423-2991 or [email protected].