This powerful case study shares the personal journey of a young person in St. Kitts who experienced the onset of depression at age 16. Through moments of isolation, fear, and deep emotional pain, they found strength in seeking help and discovered the transformative impact of therapy. Their story is a moving reminder that mental health struggles are valid—and that healing is possible. This case study is part of our Routes to Resilience campaign.
Content Warning: This case study includes references to depression, suicidal thoughts, and mental health struggles.
I was quite young when I had my first real battle with depression—16 years old, to be exact. Before that, I had experienced mild symptoms—some social anxiety, unexplained but brief periods of sadness—but nothing that would be considered a “mental illness” or particularly concerning to most.
Perhaps surprisingly, what became a years-long struggle with depression was triggered by a series of heartbreaking but seemingly minor events—the breakdown of a few close friendships and romantic relationships at the time. What started as reactionary sadness slowly morphed into something heavier. Isolation and anger fuelled a prolonged depression, and soon, I found myself unable to shake the “slump.” Waking up and “getting on with the day” felt less like a normal routine and more like an unbearable task. Even basic socialisation became exhausting. Most things failed to excite or interest me. The world felt grey.
Eventually, my occasional dark thoughts became constant. Suicidal ideations flooded my mind.
As my depression deepened, I withdrew even further, failing to keep in touch with friends and leaving home less and less. The isolation took its toll. Over time, I developed severe social anxiety. On the rare occasions I did go out with a friend, I would quickly find myself drenched in sweat, overthinking every word, trapped in the irrational fear and paranoia that anxiety creates. But I felt like I had to hide my feelings. I didn’t want to burden anyone, and in Kittitian culture, depression and sadness weren’t always seen as valid emotions—at least not in the way I was experiencing them.
Ironically, my depression became so severe that it was undeniable that something was wrong—this wasn’t just fleeting sadness. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to have a family who, even if they didn’t fully understand what I was going through, still empathised and cared. That was enough. My mother urged me to try therapy. I was open-minded but sceptical. I didn’t think therapy could really change anything.
I was wrong.
Therapy taught me so much about myself. I gained invaluable coping mechanisms and life skills—controlling my energy and thoughts, practicing mindfulness, the power of journaling—but most importantly, I learned that what I was feeling wasn’t something to be ashamed of. I learned that by reaching out, I could be supported.
Therapy helped me regain my voice. It helped me rebuild my confidence, my resilience. It helped me break through my own barriers. Reaching out for help makes you stronger, not weaker.
Need Support? You’re Not Alone
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, please don’t hesitate to reach out for support. Help is available:
- St. Kitts Mental Health Association
Website: https://skmha.wordpress.com
Email: mhastkitts@gmail.com
The St. Kitts Mental Health Association works to reduce stigma and improve mental health through cooperation, acceptance, research, and education (CARE). - Counselling Unit, Department of Social Development
Website: https://socialdevelopment.gov.kn/counselling-services/
Email: nationalcounsellingcentre@gov.kn
Phone: 662 8086
The Counselling Unit offers a safe and supportive environment for healing, growth, and personal development through compassionate and respectful care. - Nevis Behavioural Health and Wellness Centre
- Address: Church Ground, Nevis
- Phone number: 660 9551
You are not alone—support is here, and reaching out is a powerful first step.
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