Miss World BVI Kadia Turnbull discussed her struggle with depression at the launch of the Depression Bipolar Support Association at the Long Bay 1748 Beachfront Restaurant on Friday night. Photo: KATIE KING

Miss World BVI Kadia Turnbull didn’t have any trouble selecting her “Beauty with a Purpose Project” for the pageant: The 26-year-old said she knew her platform should be depression awareness because it’s an issue that hits close to home.

Miss World BVI Kadia Turnbull discussed her struggle with depression at the launch of the Depression Bipolar Support Association at the Long Bay 1748 Beachfront Restaurant on Friday night. Photo: KATIE KING
“It’s definitely something personal to me,” she explained. “I suffer from elements of it, and I know what it’s like to not have anyone who understands.”

The beauty queen recently formed the Depression Bipolar Support Association, and a crowd gathered at the Long Bay 1748 Beachfront Restaurant on Friday night to celebrate its launch.

Although Ms. Turnbull spoke with confidence at the event, she admitted she hasn’t always been comfortable discussing her struggle with depression.

“At first, honestly, I was afraid because I didn’t want to be vulnerable in the public,” she explained.

However, Ms. Turnbull said her friends and family encouraged her to speak out in order to help others.

The Pockpond Pond resident added that she hopes the group will be a “beacon of hope” for those with mental illnesses.

“Like I always say, life is not waiting for the storm to pass, but rather learning to dance in the rain,” she remarked.

Dr. Virginia Rubaine, director of Community Mental Health Services, also spoke at the event and commended Ms. Turnbull for being open about her struggle.

SEE THE JUNE 15, 2017 EDITION FOR FULL COVERAGE.

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