Former premier Wayne Panton and his wife, Jane, have opened up about the suicide of their son, Alex, and appealed for young people struggling with their mental health to seek help.

The couple were speaking on Compass TV’s Daybreak show on 28 Sept.

The couple, founders of the Alex Panton Foundation, made the plea as Cayman marked Suicide Prevention Month, while also urging parents and other adults to learn to recognise warning signs and support children and young people.

Mr. Panton said that regardless of age, seeking help is one of the best decisions a person could make.

He admitted it is often harder for young men to acknowledge they are experiencing difficulties and seek assistance.

But Mr. Panton added, “There is no shame – there is strength in it. Doing that to me is a sign of courage [to say], ‘I need help, I need assistance’.”

Mrs. Panton said, “I would like to appeal to young people out there that are probably thinking that they’re not valued enough to stay with us.

They are valued and they just need to reach out and get that validation from the right people to say, you have a purpose in this life.”

Mrs. Panton said the Alex Panton Foundation’s distinctive sunglasses logo was recognition that their son had disguised his pain until he took his own life in 2010 at the age of 16. The foundation was established in the aftermath of the family’s loss.

She said Alex hid behind his glasses and stressed the importance of encouraging children and teenagers to speak up when they are struggling and to know they have someone who is listening and concerned about them.

She added, “I really think that talking about the pain you’re feeling inside, getting it out, externalising it, really is part of the healing process.”

Mr. Panton highlighted that stereotypes could affect the attitude of adults, especially men, to address mental health challenges affecting their children.

He explained, “You hear growing up, in the Caribbean in particular, ‘man mustn’t cry, man mustn’t hug man, man must be tough’, all this kind of stuff.

“They need to ensure that they don’t let these old stereotypes and perspectives guide how they handle their approach, particularly when it comes to their children.”

Mr. Panton added that children, young people and adults should never be afraid to reach out to family members, friends or their doctor if they feel they need help and guidance.

“I think mental health is just as important as physical health,” he said.

The Alex Panton Foundation/HSA – Alex’s Place can be contacted by phone on 244-7856, by email at info@alexpantonfoundation.ky and at the website alexpantonfoundation.ky.

The charity’s special Kids’ Helpline can be contacted by phone on 649-5437 or through its website.