By Precious Tetteh/Christabel Kporvie
Accra, May 29, GNA – Mrs Dorcas Owusu, a mental health nurse at the Salvation Army Clinic, has called for open conversations on mental health to help reduce stigma and encourage people to seek professional support early.
She said many people silently struggled with stress, anxiety and depression but failed to seek help because of misconceptions and discrimination surrounding mental illness.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Thursday as part of activities marking Mental Health Month, Mrs Owusu noted that mental well-being was just as important as physical health and needed equal attention and care.
She said many individuals only sought medical attention when their condition became severe, with family members often bringing them to mental health facilities for treatment.
“When a person constantly feels empty, hopeless, or senses that something is not right emotionally or mentally, it may be a sign that they need help,” she said.
Mrs Owusu explained that mental health professionals conducted assessments using the Mental State Examination, a structured tool used to evaluate a person’s mental and emotional condition.
She stressed that seeking professional help early could save lives, as timely detection and treatment increased the chances of recovery and enabled individuals to return to their normal daily activities.
She said false beliefs and misconceptions continued to discourage many people from accessing mental health care.
“Some people see mental illness as a curse or punishment for wrongdoing, while others are unaware that mental health conditions can be treated with professional care and support,” Mrs Owusu said.
She warned that anxiety and depression could worsen over time if ignored, adding that: “Individuals living with mental health conditions need compassion, care, understanding and the support of those around them.”
The mental health nurse also highlighted the growing impact of social media on mental health, particularly among young people.
Many youths, she noted, compared their lives to celebrities who displayed expensive lifestyles, luxury cars, fashionable clothing and wealth online, creating pressure and reducing self-confidence.
“This comparison can push some young people into making decisions or pursuing lifestyles they are not prepared for,” she said.
Mrs Owusu urged families and communities to play active roles in reducing stigma through education and awareness creation and encouraged people experiencing emotional distress to seek psychological counselling or speak to someone they trusted.
“With proper medication, counselling and professional support, recovery is possible and people can regain stability in their lives,” she said.
Mrs. Owusu further advised families to pay attention to behavioural changes in loved ones and encourage them to seek help early.
“If you notice changes in a loved one’s behaviour, report it early and encourage the person to seek help.”
The Mental Health Month, observed in May, seeks to promote understanding, compassion and the importance of prioritising mental well-being.
The campaign also encourages individuals and communities to safeguard their mental health through self-care, healthy habits, and early professional intervention.
“It is okay not to feel okay,” Mrs Owusu said, stressing that mental illness was real and could be treated successfully when identified and addressed early.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe