The tragic death of Delroy Victor, a Guyanese national found hanging at his residence in February 2025, is a reminder of the silent struggle many face with mental health issues. “I cannot find a problem… to bring it to this point,” remarked a friend, reflecting a common sentiment after tragedies tied to mental health struggles — tragedies that often go unnoticed or unaddressed.
This cycle of silent suffering has been ongoing in Antigua and Barbuda for decades. Yet, behind the scenes, grassroots organizations and concerned citizens are working tirelessly to change that narrative.
Wadadli Initiative for Self-Care and Healing (WISH), launched on October 10, 2024, in recognition of World Mental Health Day, aims to break the silence and provide both awareness and practical support for mental health in the community.
At the heart of WISH is a psychological first aid training program designed to equip 50 people, including police officers, teachers, nurses, religious leaders, and youth mentors, with the tools to recognize, respond to, and de-escalate mental health crises.
WISH Director Chaneil Imhoff explained, “Many times, when we see someone having a mental health emergency, the first thing we do is pull out our phone — because what else is there to do, right? But we’ll be equipping people with the knowledge to actually de-escalate a situation and assist those in need.” This early intervention, she added, can save lives.
The need for such initiatives has become more apparent in recent years. Psychiatrist Dr. Chenelle Joseph revealed in September 2022 that Antigua is seeing an alarming number of suicide attempts, particularly among individuals aged 25 to 45. Tragically, the community also witnessed a widely reported incident in August, when a young man with untreated mental health issues was shot by police during a confrontation, resulting in the loss of one of his kidneys.
WISH believes these tragic events highlight the importance of having mental health first responders in the community, just as there are responders in hospitals and clinics.
WISH’s efforts don’t end with training programs. The organization also provides direct support to individuals in crisis. They assist with securing temporary housing, job placements, and even clothing for interviews through a modest community closet stocked with donated items.
Imhoff noted, “We hope to expand our little closet because sometimes you need something to wear for an interview. Something as simple as that you might not have.”
To date, WISH has helped dozens of individuals recover from mental health struggles, including women overcoming domestic abuse, young people dealing with self-harm, and men overwhelmed by financial stress.
The organization is now reaching out to the public for further support. Whether through volunteering, donating clothing and household items, or offering job placements, WISH is calling on the community to help those in need. “We haven’t even scratched the surface of what people are going through,” Imhoff said. “There are people out there who are genuinely in need of these things and we’re trying to provide that for them — just easing up a bit of the burden.”
With the continued support of the public, WISH hopes to expand its services and make a lasting impact on the mental health landscape in Antigua and Barbuda.
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