Break silence on Ghana's mental health crisis

October 10 is recognised as the international day for global mental health education, awareness and advocacy against social stigma.

It was first celebrated in 1992, initiated by the World Federation for Mental Health, a global mental health organisation with members and contacts in more than 150 countries.

The overall objective of World Mental Health Day is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and to mobilise efforts in support of mental health. This year’s theme, set by the World Federation of Mental Health, is “Workplace mental health”.

The theme highlights the importance of addressing mental health and well-being at the workplace, for the benefit of people, organisations and communities.

The day provides an opportunity for all stakeholders working on mental health issues to talk about their work and what more needs to be done to make mental health care a reality for people worldwide.

As we commemorate World Mental Health Day, the Daily Graphic is throwing more light on Ghana's dire mental health situation which demands urgent attention.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), one in four Ghanaians will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their lifetime. This translates to approximately 6.5 million people, with depression, anxiety and substance abuse being the most common conditions.

Despite these alarming figures, mental health services remain woefully inadequate. Through the Mental Health Act, a Mental Health Fund was established to provide financial support for the care and management of service users but it has not served its purpose because it has been under-resourced.

Traditional and cultural beliefs often view mental illness as a sign of weakness or demonic possession, leading to social isolation and stigmatisation.

This stigma prevents many from seeking help, exacerbating the problem. Ghana's healthcare system is ill-equipped to handle the demand for mental health services. The country has only 18 psychiatrists and 150 psychiatric nurses serving a population of over 30 million people.

In 2020, 1.4 per cent of the healthcare expenditure of the Ministry of Health was devoted to mental health. Psychotropics are available but in short supply and often need to be purchased out-of-pocket from private pharmacies.

The National Health Insurance Scheme pays for physical conditions (co-morbidities) of persons with mental disorders who are insured. The coverage does not include psychiatric services because, by policy, treatment for mental disorders is free at public psychiatric hospitals and for services provided by community psychiatric nurses.

If public services are not accessible or medications are unavailable, patients must purchase these privately, and these costs are not reimbursable.

Mental health facilities are scarce, with most located in urban areas, leaving rural communities without access to care. The few existing facilities often lack basic resources, including medication, equipment and trained staff.

The economic impact is also significant, as mental health disorders can reduce productivity, absenteeism and overall well-being.

The Daily Graphic believes that to address this crisis, the government must prioritise mental health as a national priority. This requires increased funding, infrastructure development, and training of mental health professionals.

Integrating mental health services into primary healthcare facilities and community-based programmes can improve access and reduce stigma. Civil society organisations, traditional leaders and community members also have critical roles to play.

By promoting mental health awareness and education, we can break down cultural barriers and encourage those suffering to seek help. The media can contribute by  reporting responsibly and reducing stigma.

The Daily Graphic is of the view that mental health in the country requires urgent attention. We must break the silence and prioritise mental health as a national concern.

We call for an increase in funding for mental health services and infrastructure development, training more mental health professionals, integrating services into primary healthcare facilities, promoting mental health awareness and education through media and community outreach.

The paper also calls for the development of innovative solutions, such as telepsychiatry and mobile mental health units.

We call on all to join forces to address the mental health crisis in the country as we observe Mental Health Day. Let us break the silence and prioritise mental health as a national concern.