Ghanaians suffering from ‘mental health inflation’

Dr. Collins Badu Agyemang, National President, Ghana Psychological Association (GPA), says majority of Ghanaians are not only suffering from economic inflation but “mental illness inflation” as well.

He attributed the problem to stress, anxiety, and loss of jobs due to the COVID-19 pandemic; the increase in crime, violence amongst the youth and high level of unemployment, amongst others.

Dr. Agyemang said in terms of policymaking and budgetary allocations at the national level, much was needed to be done to strengthen the relevance of psychological health in Ghana.

“There is certainly mental health inflation in Ghana. The young, the middle-aged, the near retiree, the aged and all of us continue to face one mental health-related challenge or the other. Haven’t we heard of behavioural addiction taking over our tertiary institutions, especially students engaging grossly in pornographic addiction, betting and gambling, and getting addicted to excessive use of social media?

“What about other issues such as rape and rioting by students. Indeed, one can say there is a problem,” Dr Badu said.

He, therefore, called on policy makers to prioritise mental health issues which he described as having been woefully neglected.

“Imagine the mental health of security agents or some personnel in the security services; if it is compromised, what happens to us?

“Are we not sure that perhaps the mental health challenges some of our drivers face could be one of the reasons that road crashes are happening?” he quizzed.

He also called on the general public to encourage people with psychological problems to seek help.

“If you are living in a community and you see someone unusually quiet and keeping indoors, do not hesitate to suggest to them to seek help. If you also hear someone singing ‘m’abre wo wiase’ to wit – I am tired in life, and ‘m’awu ooo’ – I am dead, among others, it may be a sign that such people are feeling helpless and hopeless. Even if you have nothing to offer, just lend them your ears by listening and understanding their pain,” he advised.

Implementation

Meanwhile the Psychiatric Association of Ghana is also calling for the implementation of mental health programs in various workplaces across the country.

President of the Psychiatric Association, Dr. Ruth Owusu Antwi on Citi FM, said employers should provide psychologists in various institutions to help address mental health issues adversely affecting employees.

“Institutions should put in place employee assistance programs in difficult times like this to take care of the mental health of workers.”

Dr. Ruth Owusu added that implementing such programs will increase productivity in various companies.

“If employee assistant programs are implemented, it ensures that people are not just present for work, but are also productive.”