As Suicide Prevention Month unfolds across the Caribbean, the Wadadli Initiative for Self-Care and Healing (WISH) is calling for stronger national efforts to make mental health care more accessible to those in need.
The organization stressed the importance of affordable counseling, therapy, and other mental health services, particularly for vulnerable populations who often struggle in silence.
New statistics from the World Health Organization reveal that over one billion people worldwide suffer from depression, a condition marked by hopelessness, difficulty sleeping, poor concentration, appetite changes, and thoughts of self-harm. When left untreated, depression can tragically lead to suicide—a reality that continues to affect families and communities across Antigua and Barbuda and the wider Caribbean.
WISH reassured the public that those facing mental health challenges will not be ignored. “You are not alone,” the organization said in a statement.
“We remain committed to giving a voice to those living with unseen illness and advocating for their right to heal.”
The group also called on policymakers, healthcare providers, and community leaders to prioritize mental health, noting that timely intervention and support can save lives.
So glad this conversation is happening mental health deserves the spotlight just like physical health.
Mental health challenges here are often made worse by stigma, a lack of resources, and the silence that surrounds these struggles. People sometimes feel they have nowhere to turn, and that silence can be devastating
This is a moment for Antigua and Barbuda to take mental health seriously\not just during Suicide Prevention Month, but all year long. Affordable, accessible counseling and therapy could save lives. Just as importantly, creating a culture where people feel safe to speak openly about their struggles is vital for breaking the cycle of isolation.
Yes indeed.
I am deeply concerned for our young people here too. Many of them already died mentally. Honestly…Too many of them are battling depression and hopelessness alone. We have to provide safe spaces, resources, and guidance before it’s too late
I pray for a world where there would be no pain and no mental issue. Amen
Intensified support should be year round not just during suicide prevention month
It’s heartbreaking to see how deeply suicide continues to affect families and communities in Antigua and Barbuda. Every life lost leaves behind a ripple of grief that touches parents, children, friends, and entire neighborhoods. What’s most concerning is that so many of these tragedies are preventable with the right support systems in place
I’m especially worried about our young people, who are navigating pressures of unemployment, financial instability, and personal challenges without adequate outlets for help. The rise in global depression statistics only underscores how urgent this issue is locally