The data behind our mission.
154 people across Antigua and Barbuda shared their experiences with mental health. Here is what they told us — and why it matters.
01 · Scale of Need
Demand is outpacing every system in place.
reported experiencing mental health challenges in the past year
are aware services exist — yet far fewer have actually tried to access them
rate mental health stigma in Antigua and Barbuda as high or very high
expressed interest in online or mobile app-based mental health services
Knowing help exists is not the same as being able to reach it. Awareness without access leaves people behind.
02 · What Gets in the Way
The most commonly reported barriers to accessing care.
03 · Stigma & Comfort
Who people feel safe talking to — and who they don't.
Respondents were most comfortable discussing mental health with healthcare professionals and friends. Family contexts remained the most difficult — reflecting generational attitudes, cultural expectations, and deep-rooted stigma that public campaigns alone cannot dismantle.
04 · Where People Turn
Information-seeking in the absence of structured support.
Heavy reliance on informal channels reflects genuine public interest — and a critical gap in structured, credible mental health education. This is where WISH steps in.
05 · Public Priorities
What people say needs to change — ranked.
06 · Digital Opportunity
The public is ready for digital mental health tools.
of respondents said they would use online or mobile app-based mental health services. The public is ready — the tools just need to be built.
Younger populations
Digital tools are the primary access point for 18–34 year-olds who rarely engage traditional health systems
Stigma bypass
Private, app-based tools allow people to seek help without the social exposure that in-person visits require
Complement, not replace
Digital solutions must be culturally relevant, accessible, and built alongside — not instead of — professional care
Help us close the gap.
WISH is building evidence-based, community-grounded mental health solutions for Antigua and Barbuda. Your support makes it possible.
Support WISH