When Solon Jean Philippe talks about his former life, his voice softens. At 61, he remembers a stable time, shared with his wife, a school principal, and their children. A farmer by training, he was also a loan officer in a microfinance institution. A modest but peaceful life, until a series of tragedies turned everything upside down.
It all began with a hypertensive crisis. Already weakened, Solon had to stop working. He then began receiving treatment for his chronic illnesses at the University Hospital in Mirebalais, then at the Saint-Michel Health Center in Boucan Carré, when Zanmi Lasante extended its services to the area.
But it was in 2022 that the most violent shock came. His wife, respected in the community, is attacked by members of her own family over a land dispute. She died that day. Solon, ill and bedridden with a prostate crisis, can only take in the news. His world collapses.
“I felt empty, unable to think or act. It was like living in a black hole.”
The trauma is brutal. He developed severe disorders: memory loss, anxiety, insomnia, deep isolation. The impact on his children is just as painful. One of his sons is now showing signs of depression.
Since November 2022, Solon has been monitored by Zanmi Lasante’s mental health team. Psychologist Samuel Thérosme takes charge of him. Together, they are moving forward step by step.
“At first, there was fear, shame, extreme isolation. But little by little, thanks to listening and care, he began to get back on track,” explains the psychologist. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression and severe anxiety, Solon benefited from multidisciplinary care: therapies, medication, psychosocial support, home visits.
The challenges are many. Solon lives far from the center. He has no stable income. He doesn’t have access to all the medicines, and some appointments are impossible to keep due to lack of transport. But despite everything, he comes back. He’s hanging in there.
Today, he feels more stable. He thanks the team and in particular psychologist Thérosme. He just dreams of being able to help his children finish their studies. His son is at university in Mirebalais, but the lack of resources makes the situation critical.
Solon also wants to break the silence. He speaks out to encourage those who are suffering but don’t dare ask for help.
“If you feel you’re not well, don’t hide. Talk about it. Seek help. Zanmi Lasante saved me.”
In Boucan Carré as elsewhere in Haiti, mental health remains marked by stigma. It’s not uncommon to hear: “Kisa moun fou sa ap chèche isit la?”. Zanmi Lasante works tirelessly to change this perception, with grassroots actions, awareness-raising, and above all humane, constant and respectful accompaniment.
For psychologist Thérosme, Solon’s story is a symbol.
“We don’t just treat. We walk alongside patients, with dignity. That’s our mission.”
With your help, Zanmi Lasante can continue to offer humane, free, quality support to people like Solon. Make a donation today to support care, train professionals and break the silence that still too often surrounds mental suffering.