This weekend marks the third anniversary of Dignity House, a pioneering joint venture dedicated to substance abuse recovery and mental health rehabilitation in Bermuda. The facility, co-founded by Nicholas and Kimberly Darceuil, has been a beacon of hope for those struggling with mental health and addiction, providing a structured environment to help individuals rebuild their lives.
To commemorate this milestone, TNN’s Trevor Lindsay sat down with Nicholas and Kimberly Darceuil to reflect on the journey, the challenges faced, and the impact Dignity House has made in the community.
• What is Dignity House?
“Dignity House is a residential mental health rehabilitation facility aimed at getting people back on their feet and living the life they should be living,” said Nicholas Darceuil.
From its inception, the mission has been clear: to break the cycle of relapse and hospitalization by equipping individuals with the skills they need to reintegrate into society as productive members.
• Breaking the Stigma
Mental health has long been a stigmatized issue in Bermuda and worldwide. Has this stigma lessened in the past three years?
“Stigma exists in all categories,” Nicholas acknowledged. “Even within the mental health community, there’s a hierarchy where some feel their illness is more acceptable than others. The same exists among substance users. Some think, ‘I use cocaine and alcohol, so I’m better off than someone using heroin.’ But the truth is, everyone is fighting a battle, and we need to move beyond judgment and focus on healing.”
Kimberly agreed, emphasizing that mental health awareness is gaining momentum. “With public service announcements and discussions, the conversation is shifting. But stigma still exists—often driven by those who don’t understand mental health.”
She drew a parallel to physical health: “If you break a leg, you get it treated. Mental illness should be viewed the same way. Treatment should be normalized, and people should feel no shame in seeking help.”
• Addressing Youth Mental Health & Substance Use
A troubling trend in Bermuda is the rise of mental health challenges among young people, often linked to substance use.
“The average young person starts experimenting with substances as early as nine years old,” Nicholas revealed. “By the time they reach 18, 19, 20, they may already have severe impairment.”
Dignity House prioritizes early intervention, helping young people understand that they are not alone and that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The rise of synthetic drugs like MDMA (Molly), ecstasy, and chemically altered marijuana is particularly concerning. These substances exacerbate mental health conditions, leading to more intense withdrawal symptoms and a greater need for specialized support.
• Challenges & Funding Struggles
Reflecting on the past three years, one of the biggest challenges has been changing people’s attitudes toward investing in their mental health.
“People value their cars, clothes, and homes but hesitate to invest in their well-being,” Kimberly explained. “There’s an expectation that government should cover everything, but the reality is mental health services require funding.”
Nicholas clarified an earlier point: “The costs I mentioned—$450 for a psychiatrist, $650–$680 for a psychologist, and $175–$185 for a counselor—are per visit, not per month. That’s why financial support is so crucial.”
• Dignity Foundation: Supporting Mental Health for All
To bridge the financial gap, Dignity House operates under the charity Dignity Foundation (Charity #1036), which helps cover costs for individuals in need.
“Our foundation ensures that no one is turned away due to lack of funds,” Kimberly said. “When you donate to the Dignity Foundation, you’re not just helping one person—you’re strengthening our entire society.”
She emphasized the broader impact: “Some of the people who have come through our program are no longer on financial assistance. They’re working, they’re proud, and they’re contributing to Bermuda.”
• For corporate sponsors, Nicholas had a direct message:
“If you’re operating in Bermuda, supporting mental health initiatives benefits everyone. A mentally healthy society is a productive society. Some companies, like Walkers and Cary Olsen, have already stepped up, naming us their charity of the year. We’re incredibly grateful. We encourage others to follow their lead.”
• Three-Year Anniversary Celebration–March 17
To celebrate this milestone, Dignity House is hosting a special event on March 17 at St. John’s Church from 5 PM to 8 PM.
The theme: Beyond the Mind – Exploring Mental Health Through Many Lenses.
The event will feature a distinguished panel of experts, including:
• Dr. Alexis Swan
• Ms. Chardonae Rawlins
• Dr. Kuni Frith
• Dr. Karen Grant-Simmons
“This is a free event, open to the public,” Kimberly shared. “We want everyone to join us in celebrating three years of transformation, empowerment, and support.”
• A Call to Action
Nicholas and Kimberly concluded with a simple but powerful message:
“This is just the beginning. The journey toward mental wellness is ongoing, and we need everyone—individuals, businesses, and the community—to be part of the solution. Join us on March 17, support the Dignity Foundation, and let’s continue building a mentally healthier Bermuda—together.”
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