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

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WISH

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

By Chaneil Imhoff, Founder of WISH – the Wadadli Initiative for Self-care and Healing

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.

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.

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.

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3 COMMENTS

  1. Is that Samantha Marshall? She is one of the most horrible human beings you could find in Antigua and Barbuda’s government, and here is why.

    I went to her requesting a letter from her stating that crime, abuse, and terrorism victims need advocacy, and any endeavor providing this advocacy is of national importance. She refused to give any letter in support of the field of victim advocacy and the emotional and mental support they need (mental health).

    I then requested for her to request a particular license that I need to be decided on the merit, and in a reasonable time, she refused.

    No matter the help I needed, she would refuse. I brought in equipment to donate to the police that included body worn cameras, projectors (is the one you are using the one I donated, the one in the picture on this news article?), laptops, desktop, walkie talkie, building security cameras, badge holders, metal detectors (it seems airport and schools using those), etcetera and I asked her for duty free (she was minister of agriculture at the time), this was a problem for her to do also, so I paid the duty and taxes myself and donated the items to the government after paying the duty. They were being held too long, and the shipping company was increasing the cost for storage. So, I paid the government taxes for things I am donating to the government.

    I now shipped additional items intended to donate to the police that include numerous wireless security cameras, vehicles, laptops, night vision durable and professional bodyworn cameras, night vision goggles, heat detection goggles, diving gears with underwater cameras, wildlife/farming cameras, metal detectors, projectors, neighborhood watch t-shirts, reflector vest, $20,000 cash donation to the police, costly watches to donate to officers for good services and so much more but they are sitting in storage because of how horrible the leaders of Antigua and Barbuda are. Oh, I paid the duty for these 2nd and 3rd set of items intended for donation.

    You can make sure the world knows what I have written, and it was not just Samantha Marshall that refused to help me, but PM Browne, AG Benjamin, MP Chet Green, and those at the helm of the police department. Again, it was basic help, having them decide my urgent application to provide Antiguans and Barbudans with jobs paying them $500 to $2000 (WEEKLY) in a crime, abuse and terrorism advocacy and research endeavor that provides emotional support (mental health). I would be billing US crime and terrorism funds that designates billions a year so that my endeavor can bill them for providing such services as described in my previous correspondence to you.

    You are with the worst and most selfish humans.

    • You always looking ATTENTION!!! What happened? Your babysitter abandoned you as a child??? Didn’t get any cake for your birthday? Like seriously – what is your issue? Always on ANR rambling and inserting yourself into everything.

      Dude seek PSYCHOLOGIAL HELP!

  2. @Eldread or all ten of you? Who else should an Antiguan seek attention from to correct the incompetence of the government? The same government to correct it idiot until another enters wjo is competent, you fool. Stop hiding and be bold like me. You incompetent waste.

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