Accra:Mental health conditions do not discriminate based on social status, and everyone is at risk, according to Angela Aikins, a member of the Ghana Psychological Association (GPA) and Mental Health Coach. Aikins emphasized the importance of raising awareness about mental health issues to save lives during a Senior High School (SHS) outreach event held to commemorate World Mental Health Day at O'Rielly SHS, Okpoi Gonno, in Accra.
According to Ghana Web, the event, themed "Your Mind Matters, Speak Up," was organized by Mindscape Global Network, a youth-led mental health advocacy group, in collaboration with the Ghana Psychological Association, POS Foundation, and Shine the Light. Aikins stressed the need for increased resources in SHS counseling units to provide professional services to students and encouraged students to seek help for any mental health conditions.
Aikins advised students to communicate their struggles and seek support from trusted teachers, stating, "Speak up, don't die in silence." She highlighted that symptoms of mental health issues could include aggression, isolation, low learning abilities, and changes in personal hygiene and dressing. She identified depression, stress, anxiety, and schizophrenia as some of the common mental health conditions.
Akosua Agyepong Mensah, the Convenor of Mindscape Global Network, emphasized the need for kindness and empathy towards those with visible mental health conditions. She noted that students often face stress, peer and family pressures, and social media comparisons, which can lead to psychological challenges. Agyepong Mensah highlighted the importance of breaking the stigma around mental health, especially among boys, to build resilience.
Jonathan Osei-Owusu, Executive Director of POS Foundation, called for churches to offer mental health counseling and education, particularly on marital challenges. He stressed the need for the youth, especially males, to seek professional counseling and overcome cultural barriers that prevent them from speaking about their trauma and challenges.
Celestina Adusah-Poku, Assistant Headmistress (Domestic) of O'Rielly SHS, praised the organizations for their efforts in marking World Mental Health Day at the school and appealed for support to enhance the school's under-resourced Counseling Unit.