“Mental Health Has Been Cloaked In Stigma, And It’s Worrying”

The second Lady of Ghana Samira Bawumia
has expressed that mental health is no respecter of people, therefore should be treated with seriousness by society.

She has asked all stakeholders to meet up to kill criticism against people battling mental health problems.

During her speech at the KGL Foundation’s maiden corporate fundraiser, in aid of mental health index, on Wednesday (27 September), Bawumia expressed:

“Mental health is an issue that affects many; it affects all ages, all genders, economic statuses, and professions. It knows no boundaries.”

“Mental health has been cloaked in stigma, misunderstanding, and neglect. Most often, mental health challenges go unnoticed and unaddressed,” she added.

The initiative seeks to make accessible; ideal, helpful, and case-fitting support for psychological wellness in Ghana, the absence of which presents serious danger to health, well-being, productivity, and ultimately, nation building.

The second lady appealed to Ghanaians to immediately seek expert attention when they suspect any symptoms of mental health.

“People are pretending to be okay and family and friends often turn a blind eye, probably out of the fear of stigmatisation until it’s often too late.

“It is therefore important to acknowledge that addressing mental health issues as a society is a multifaceted endeavor that requires collaboration between various stakeholders. One of the issues I seldom talk about, is postnatal depression, which is seldom talked about or even recognised,” Bawumia said.

As per her, looking for support for mental health issues is definitely not an indication of shortcoming yet a gutsy demonstration of selfcare and self protection.

“It is a step towards healing, resilience, and a brighter future. The mental health index demonstrates the power of innovation and technology to provide convenient and personalised support for mental wellbeing.

“With the mental health index, help is just a touch away, and privacy and ease of use is at its core. It is a vital tool to help break down the barriers that prevent individuals and families to get the support that they need,” Bawumia added.

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She showed appreciation to the KGL Foundation for their devotion to building a more grounded and more comprehensive Ghana.

“Thank you again to the foundation for committing US$100, 000 each year for the next 10 years to this course.

“However, given the scale of the problem, I believe we will need much more than that. Therefore I call on all individuals and organisations [to support],” she added.

“Together we have the power to redefine the narrative surrounding mental health in Ghana,” Bawumia added.

credit: asaaseradio.com