depression

For those who knew him best, Kendal Isaacs had a promising future. He liked music, swimming, and someone who seemed to have a gift for helping others feel comfortable and cared for.

Now, family and friends are left holding on to memories after the 23-year-old was memorialized on Friday, nearly two weeks after he was found unresponsive at his home. Police have said they suspect he died by suicide.

Among those remembering him is his godfather, Paul Fernander, who affectionately called him “our Littlest Croupier.” The nickname dated back to childhood when Kendal and his sisters would accompany their parents to weekly Pokino games and somehow manage to stay awake alongside the adults into the early hours of the morning.

Looking back, Fernander sees a young man whose life was filled with talent, intelligence and compassion.

“He has left us so soon,” he wrote.

“Kendal swam like a fish,” Fernander recalled. “Even at a young age, Kendal possessed a calm confidence and a willingness to help others overcome their fears.”

Fernander described a young man who was generous, kind-hearted and eager to help others. A gentleman who, as one loved one put it, would “give the shirt off his back” to someone in need.

Academically, Kendal excelled. He passed all ten of his BGCSE examinations at Queen’s College before attending the University of The Bahamas. Fernander says he completed years of work in a remarkably short period of time before continuing his studies in the United States.

After returning home, he joined his cousin’s computer business and continued building what many believed would be a bright future.

He loved music and dreamed of sharing his creativity with the world.

Last year, he asked his godfather to listen to one of his songs and offer honest feedback. He revised the track, worked on promotion and even produced a music video.

The song never became the breakthrough success they had hoped for, but those who remember him today see something more important than chart success: a young man willing to chase his dreams.

Annette Johnson remembered picking him up while he was attending school in the United States and spending time together shopping and sharing lunch.

“My birthday is April 5th and Kendal is on the same date as mine,” she said in a social media tribute.

Today, those who loved Kendal are left with difficult questions, treasured memories and a deep sense of loss.

If you are struggling with depression, hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself, speak with someone you trust. Reach out to a pastor, family member, friend, counsellor or community leader. Help is available, and asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

For crisis support in The Bahamas, contact the Bahamas Crisis Centre at (242) 328-0922.

For now, those who knew Kendal best are choosing to remember the young man who loved freely, helped others and left an impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him— a young man with incredible potential, gone too soon.

The man found dead in a suspected suicide has not been officially identified but he was recognized among friends and social media users as Traevonn.

He was found at Miller’s Creek Close, Carmichael and was discovered on Tuesday afternoon. Police have not given his age but he appears to be in his 20s.

Two days before his death, Traevonn took to social media, posting what seems a trail of depressing posts, demonstrating his feelings of sadness.

On Sunday he posted, “Another problem with having a good heart is that people think you’re stupid.”

He later posted, “…at the end of the day, nobody knows how hard you work/hustle…how lonely you feel sometimes, or how much sleep you lose, or your daily pressures.”

On Saturday, his post appeared to further show a degree of helplessness and isolation. “All you need is one real supporter in your life.”

He then posted, “Depression isn’t always, ‘I’m going to kill myself.’ Sometimes it’s, ‘I’ve been in bed all day and I haven’t showered, I skipped work to sleep, What’s the point of finishing? I’m not hungry or I can’t stop eating.’”

Then he says, “Never expect to get what you give. Not everyone has a heart like you.”

In a moment of gratitude, he expressed, “I survived a lot privately this year. For that, God, I’m grateful.”

It appears the thoughts of suicide haunted Traevonn before his demise on Tuesday when his friend, Jacqueline Davilmar who expressed sorrow and disbelief at his death said, “No man Trae. You gave up like that. I thought the suicidal thoughts were gone…”

Another friend said, “…wish I had it (resources) when you were asking for help. You were on the right course, started your business and everything… It’s bugging how little situations get to our minds sometimes…”

Experts say many young people use social media to express suicidal feelings and they commit the act after sharing their thoughts on social platforms. But they might be reluctant to express their feelings with close family members or a physician.

Patron Rolle took note of Traevonn’s gloomy posts, questioning the little help he received. “How haven’t you as his friend, his homie, noticed? Yall failed him.”

She warned other users to check on the welfare of family members who use their social media walls to express their feelings, “From I see a post like this on a friend’s wall, I’m jumping in the direct message quickly.”

Oral Neely encouraged others to “learn to see people in need of love and give love.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out to a trusted family member, or friend, or call a doctor for help.

You can also contact the Community Counselling and Assessment Centre at (242) 323-3293/5.