Accra: Madam Maribel Akuorkor Okine, the Western Regional Director for the Department of Gender, has advised the public to prioritise their own mental wellbeing. She also called for support for each other in times of challenges or personal struggles, to avoid the degeneration of mental health issues. The Director for Gender who gave the advice in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Sekondi in the Western Region, stressed that 'Let's prioritise our mental well-being and support one another. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to seek help from professional hands.'
According to Ghana News Agency, Madam Okine indicated that stigma and neglect of affected persons continued to be a great worry in caring for such persons. She urged the society to work together to break down stigma and promote a culture that values emotional expression, vulnerability, and support for all.
Madam Okine explained that when it came to gender issues in mental health, societal expectations could impact both men and women differently. She noted that factors like hormonal fluctuations, caregiving responsibilities, and trauma could contribute to anxiety and depression for women. Meanwhile, for men, traditional masculinity norms could discourage emotional expression and seeking help, leading to increased risk of substance abuse and addiction.
In Ghana, mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and substance abuse were prevalent, and challenges included limited access to mental health services, inadequate infrastructure, and stigma. Madam Okine highlighted the significant treatment gap in countries including Ghana, where disorders remained untreated and emphasized the urgent need for increased access to mental health services in the country.
