Across Antigua and Barbuda, in homes, schools, and workplaces, countless individuals grapple with mental health challenges in silence. From students struggling to focus in class to employees withdrawing from social interactions, and elderly parents yearning for companionship, the emotional toll is pervasive. On October 10, 2025, the nation joined the global community in observing World Mental Health Day under the theme ‘Access to Service: Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies.’ This year’s theme resonates deeply as the country faces ongoing social pressures, personal hardships, and the impact of a tropical storm. It underscores the importance of emotional resilience and the need to prioritize mental health as a national imperative.
Mental health care access must be strengthened, particularly for young people. Many youths endure unseen battles, often manifesting as frustration or conflict. They are not merely ‘troubled’ but in dire need of compassion, guidance, and safe spaces to express their emotions. Similarly, individuals who appear successful externally may suffer privately. Seeking help should be seen as an act of courage, not weakness. Community programs, counseling sessions, and support groups play a crucial role in reminding people they are not alone.
In St. John’s Rural South, community advocate Jermaine N. Edwards has witnessed firsthand the pain of young people and the isolation of seniors. These experiences highlight the importance of fostering mental wellness through care and understanding. Encouragingly, the stigma surrounding mental illness is gradually fading, replaced by empathy and awareness. Early intervention through counseling and support can prevent deeper suffering.
Schools, workplaces, and community organizations must actively promote mental health. Teachers, employers, and parents should recognize signs of distress and respond with compassion. Parents, in particular, must address their children’s emotional well-being, countering the unrealistic standards often portrayed on social media. Seniors, too, deserve attention, as many face depression due to loneliness or the rapid pace of modern life. Intergenerational programs can bridge this gap, fostering mutual support and understanding.
Mental illness can affect anyone, regardless of age or circumstance. Whether triggered by trauma, social pressure, or natural disasters, it must be met with care, not judgment. Investments in school counselors, community mental health programs, and trained professionals in clinics are essential. On this World Mental Health Day, let us commit to building a culture where help is accessible, voices are heard, and no one feels isolated. Mental health is not an individual issue but a shared responsibility. Together, we can create a society rooted in understanding, healing, and hope.
