Survival, resilience and gratitude were the focus at the May 5 launch of Undaunted, a memoir by Dr Samina Cepal. Held at Orange Grove Plaza in Bois D’Orange, the event brought together well-wishers from various stages of the author’s life, creating a warm and meaningful atmosphere. The launch also featured book signings and sales.
The memoir details Cepal’s experiences with physical and mental illness, highlighting how the presence or absence of loved ones shaped her journey. Despite being a nurse, she often felt unsupported during her most challenging times, which led to an unsuccessful suicide attempt. The book offers both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration, emphasising mental health awareness and resilience.
“It still feels a little surreal, but I wrote a book. Not just a book, a memoir. And people showed up, and people have been supportive,” Cepal told St Lucia Times in a post‑event interview. “I just want my story to reach. I don’t want anybody to have to go through this journey of life alone, thinking that they’re alone in any situation. I just want people to know that everybody has walked a certain road before, and I want them to be encouraged. Just be encouraged. No matter what life throws at you, keep going. Don’t complain, and just do everything with an attitude of gratitude.”
Undaunted is available locally through Cepal and can also be purchased online through Amazon.
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Dr. Cepal — I applaud you and I wish you continued success in all that you aspire to do.
Honestly, as a St. Lucian residing abroad – I can literally think back of several scenarios where folk were dealing with mental health issues and there was nothing in place to address these challenges on island. In some instances, family members who did not understand what was happening completely neglected those who were in crisis. In some instances they housed them in (I think there was a place called the sanatorium???) with others without adequate or appropriate assessment of their respective treatment/need.
Hopefully “Undaunted” which I have not read thus far, can awaken an urgent need which has been literally non existent on island – in areas where individuals may need to be medicated/therapy etc. – it is extremely essential to diagnose and provide appropriate treatment plan within the parameters of correct medication dosage when and if required etc. when dealing with the several diagnoses which currently exist within mental health. It is certainly not a one size fits all treatment plan. Godspeed.