By Ernest Nutsugah
Accra, Nov. 6, GNA – Mr. Tony Cealy, a UK-based Creative Theater Practitioner and Cultural Producer, has called for sustained public discussions on mental health issues and its social impact.
He observed that discourse on mental health have somewhat been relegated, while a section of the public often assumed a negative posture towards persons with mental health challenges.
The facilitator made these remarks during a community engagement and drama on mental health organised in Accra in partnership with the National Drama Company of the National Theater of Ghana.
Themed: “Changing the Stigma on Mental Health,” the interactive session was to create awareness and encourage individuals to pay attention to their physical and emotional well-being.
Speaking to GNA on the sidelines, Mr. Cealy, noted that everybody experienced mental health challenges in different ways, however, there seemed to be negative public perception and stigma about the condition.
He indicated that mental health issues became prominent post-COVID-19 as individuals and organisations dealt with challenges including unemployment, financial instability and others.
Considering low levels of social engagement on the topic, he called for a change of attitude towards mental issues and support for persons confronted with related challenges and discrimination.
“We need to have discussions about mental health so it becomes normalised… if we are aware of it and keep on talking about it, I think it could become something that lots of people will start talking about, and the impact it is having on our lives,” he said.
While pushing for increased awareness on mental health, the producer urged individuals to build social connections that enable them to talk about challenges that were likely to affect their sanity.
“Just like a car needs to be checked and serviced, we humans also need to check ourselves to see how we are doing…these are the simplest things we need to do everyday.”
“We need to build relationships; our faith, religion and spirituality can also be useful…this is a resilient factor that can help and motivate ourselves, to be a better person,” he added.
Mr. Cealy advised individuals to manage their emotions, commit to living better lives, and engage in activities that would boost their mental and physical agility.
About five different sketches depicting different aspects of mental health were dramatised, attracting scores of residents to the La Market Complex, where the event was held.
Prior to the drama, there was also a three-day workshop at a different location, on how to manage mental health issues.
Ms. Agnes Pamfred, Stage Manager of the National Drama Company, emphasized the importance of mental wellness and the role of theater in amplifying the subject to cause social change.
She encouraged the public to seek further information on mental health concerns and commended Mr. Cealy and partners for the initiative.
GNA