The CEO of the Mental Health Authority (MHA), Dr. Pinaman Appau, has indicated that the prevailing economic hardships are contributing to a rise in mental health issues among individuals.
Speaking at the launch of this year’s Mental Health Week in Accra, Dr. Appau noted that the stress associated with economic challenges has exacerbated the existing mental health problems in the country.
In 2016, a national survey identified over 6,000 individuals with mental illness living on the streets and in public places.
Dr. Appau pointed out that factors such as increasing unemployment, economic uncertainty, and social isolation have negatively impacted the mental well-being of people from various socio-economic backgrounds.
“As jobs vanish and businesses shutter, individuals and families find themselves facing financial instability, food insecurity and inadequate access to healthcare and education with consequences on mental health,” he added.
She mentioned that a new count would soon be conducted to gather data for targeted interventions.
Dr. Appau emphasized that the economic hardships, including job loss and financial instability, food insecurity, inadequate access to healthcare, and education, have serious consequences for mental health.
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimated in September that almost 2.4 million Ghanaians may be suffering from various forms of mental illness.
The CEO expressed concern about the rising numbers of individuals with mental illness and their presence in public spaces, stating that it is a matter of national security.
She mentioned that the Mental Health Authority and the Ministry of Health are considering a program to remove mentally ill individuals from the streets and reintegrate them into communities.
Dr. Appau called for the support of all stakeholders in advocating for mental health and implementing the proposed strategy.
She stressed that mental health is a universal right, emphasizing that everyone, regardless of background or circumstances, has the right to mental well-being, including access to mental health services and support systems.
Mental illness, as defined by the WHO, is a mental disorder characterized by clinically significant disturbances in cognition, emotional regulation, or behavior, often associated with distress or impairment in important areas of functioning.
Various types of mental illnesses include anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, eating disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and dissocial disorders, among others.
Mental health is a state of mental well-being that enables individuals to cope with life’s stresses, realize their abilities, learn and work effectively, and contribute positively to their communities.
The Mental Health Week, scheduled for October 4 to 10, will focus on community engagement, open dialogues, discussions on the rights of persons with mental illness and intellectual disabilities through various media platforms.
Activities will include school health talks on substance abuse among adolescents, stress management presentations, self-assessment of mental health, public screenings, and outreach programs at faith-based healing centers.
A durbar will also be held in Dambai, Oti Region, on October 10 to climax the celebration.