Mental Health for a Sustainable Future: How WISH Aligns with Global Goals

In Antigua and Barbuda, mental health has long been a silent struggle – the challenge we don’t talk about, the pain we carry behind closed doors. Too often, our communities have viewed mental health as a foreign concept, something to be ignored, whispered about, or shrouded in shame. But the reality is far from foreign. Mental health is our reality. It’s our story. And it’s time we rewrite it.

That’s why I created WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a movement, a lifeline, and a beacon of hope for our people. Born from the heart of our island, WISH is a testament to what can happen when we decide to break the silence and shatter the stigmas surrounding mental health.

When I envisioned WISH, I imagined a space where people could find understanding, compassion, and tools for healing. A space that said, “Your mental health matters, and so do you.” But more than that, I wanted it to become a catalyst for cultural change. Because in Antigua and Barbuda, caring for our mental health should not feel like an act of rebellion—it should be a natural, celebrated part of life.

Revolutionizing Mental Health Care with Global Impact

WISH is on a mission to revolutionize how Antigua and Barbuda thinks about, talks about, and cares for mental health. Our work not only serves our local community but also supports global progress by aligning with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being
  At the core of WISH is a commitment to promoting mental health as an essential aspect of overall well-being. Mental health care is health care, and by addressing it, we contribute to creating healthier individuals and communities.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
  Mental health challenges often intersect with issues of gender inequality, particularly for women and girls who face unique societal pressures. WISH advocates for gender-sensitive mental health approaches, ensuring equity and inclusivity in the healing journey.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
  Inequalities in access to mental health resources exist within our communities. WISH is dedicated to bridging that gap, ensuring that mental health care is available to everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
  Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. Whether through partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, or international allies, WISH amplifies its efforts by building bridges that foster collective impact.

These global goals remind us that mental health is not just a personal issue—it’s a societal and global responsibility. Through WISH, we’re contributing to a broader vision of development, one where no one is left behind.

Mental Health as a Collective Responsibility

At WISH, we believe in the power of the collective. Mental health isn’t just about individual well-being; it’s about the well-being of our entire community. When one of us struggles, we all feel the impact. And when one of us heals, it creates a ripple effect of hope and resilience.

That’s why we’re calling on everyone to join this revolution. Because together, we can build a culture of self-care and healing. Together, we can ensure that mental health is no longer sidelined but embraced as a priority for all.

Join the Movement

WISH is not just a name. It’s a declaration. A promise. A belief that change is possible. When you support WISH, you’re not just following a page or joining an organization. You’re becoming part of a family—a family that believes in the power of “we” in wellness.

This is about more than just awareness; it’s about action. It’s about making mental health care accessible, equitable, and sustainable for everyone in Antigua and Barbuda.

So, let’s not just wish for change. Let’s make it happen. Let’s break the silence, shatter the stigmas, and create a brighter future for our people—and our planet.