Our beautiful Virgin Islands have been hurting for some time and in many ways. One appears to be with our mental health system.
In recent weeks, there’s been a heartbreaking increase in violence across our islands. These tragedies are not just headlines; they are signs that many in our community are silently suffering.
Behind every act of violence, there is often hidden pain: trauma, grief, anxiety, and unresolved mental health struggles. These issues have gone unnoticed and unspoken for far too long.
The stigma around mental health must come to an end.
We need to do a better job of educating ourselves and those around us. We need to remind each other that:
It’s okay to not be okay.
It’s okay to ask for help.
You are not alone.
Mental health is not a luxury. It’s essential.
Too many of us are taught to “just deal with it,” to stay strong and keep moving forward even when we’re hurting. But silence isn’t strength. Pretending to be okay doesn’t heal the pain. And ignoring our mental health only allows it to grow until it shows up in ways we never intended, sometimes even through violence or self-destruction.
People around us are hurting.
Some are grieving. Some are anxious. Some are battling depression or carrying pain from the past. Some are acting out because they don’t know how else to cope.
Violence is often the result but not necessarily the root cause.
If we don’t address what’s underneath, the cycle will only continue.
It’s time to break that cycle. It’s time to end the stigma. There is no shame in needing help. There is no weakness in speaking up.
Getting help is not just okay, it’s a brave and powerful step forward. A step forward to healing and bettering yourself.
If we can care for our physical health, why not do the same for our mental health? We see a professional when our bodies hurt; shouldn’t we seek support when our hearts and minds are hurting, too?
We all have a role to play.
Check in on your loved ones.
Be kind because you never know what someone is carrying.
Take time to learn about the signs and symptoms of mental health conditions.
Be open. Be compassionate. Be a part of the change.
There are safe and welcoming spaces right here in the Virgin Islands where you can speak freely with someone who truly listens and cares. Again, you are not alone on this journey. You are seen. You are heard. You are deeply supported.
Let’s not wait for another tragedy. Let’s act now.
Violence has become so common on our islands that it’s beginning to feel like the new norm. Another shooting? Another heartbreak? Another funeral? This cannot and should not be our reality.
It’s time to make healing our new normal.
It’s time to normalize seeking help when we need it without shame or hesitation.
Our community is worth fighting for. Isn’t it?
Let’s make mental health a priority for ourselves, for our loved ones, and for the future of the Virgin Islands.
Below is a list of mental health professionals in the USVI who are here to support you. They are ready to walk with you through your healing journey.
St. Thomas / St. John:
- Serenity Wellness & Counseling
- Greater Changes
- Helping Hands
- Ashar Counseling
- Mindful Wellness
- Synergy Fitness & Wellness
- Beautiful Dreamers
- Insight Psychological
- Mind/Body Health & Psychology
St. Croix:
- Serenity Wellness & Counseling
- Greater Changes
- Beautiful Dreamers
- The Lotus Center for Well-Being
- Island Therapy
-Dr. Nour Z. Suid, PsyD, is a Palestinian Muslim born and raised in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Dr. Suid is a Licensed Professional Counselor. She graduated with her doctorate in Clinical Psychology and Naturopathic Medicine. Dr. Suid is currently working as a mental health counselor at Serenity Wellness & Counseling.
Editor’s Note: Opinion articles do not represent the views of the Virgin Islands Source newsroom and are the sole expressed opinion of the writer. Submissions can be made to visource@gmail.com.
