An emotional tribute from one of Cody Gomes’ closest friends has offered a deeply personal reflection on the 24-year-old’s life, while encouraging greater compassion and awareness around mental health.

In a social media post shared following Gomes’ death, his best friend, Amiaha James, described him as someone who was surrounded by love and support but who struggled to see himself the way others saw him.

“My boy hit a brick wall a long time ago,” James wrote. “If you thought he didn’t have love and support around him, you’re wrong. He was deeply loved. The problem was that he couldn’t see himself the way everyone else saw him.”

She said Gomes often felt as though his life was “going in circles” and carried emotional burdens that were largely hidden from those around him.

James also reflected on how people can conceal profound emotional pain behind an outward appearance of normalcy, urging others not to assume that someone who appears to be coping is free from personal struggles.

“The person you speak to every day, the one who seems okay because they carry their burdens so well, could be silently fighting a battle you know nothing about,” she wrote.

Her message encouraged people experiencing depression or emotional distress to seek support and to remember that difficult periods can pass.

“Don’t make a permanent decision during a temporary season of depression,” James wrote. “As long as there’s breath in your body, there’s still hope. Every new day is another chance to make different choices and hold on a little longer.”

She concluded the tribute by asking for understanding rather than judgment.

“Please forgive my best friend. He fought harder than most of us will ever know.”

Gomes was found unresponsive at his Swetes home early Monday morning. Police have said the circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation and have urged the public to allow his family privacy while inquiries continue.

If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, reaching out to a trusted friend, family member, counsellor, doctor, pastor or another mental health professional can help. If there is an immediate concern for someone’s safety, seek emergency assistance without delay.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Best Friend Remembers Cody Gomes, Speaks of Private Struggles and Importance of Mental Health.