Why is Mental Health overlooked in Ghana – Part 1

james eddy March 29, 2025

243 Comments

One of the biggest reasons mental health is overlooked in Ghana is stigma. Many people believe that mental illness is a sign of weakness, laziness, or even a curse. Those who speak about their struggles are often dismissed or told to “be strong” instead of being encouraged to see

In many African communities, mental illness is often linked to spiritual forces. Instead of seeking medical attention, some families take their loved ones to traditional healers, prophets, or prayer camps, believing that mental health issues are caused by demons or evil spirits.

While spirituality plays a significant role in African culture, this misconception prevents people from getting the professional medical care they need. Instead of therapy or medication, some individuals undergo harmful practices such as exorcisms, fasting, or even physical abuse in an attempt to “cure” their condition.

Many Ghanaians often do not understand mental health conditions due to limited education and awareness. I personally never heard of mental health education until recently and because of these gaps in education, many people assume depression is just sadness that will go away or anxiety is just overthinking.

Without proper education, people struggling with mental health issues are blamed for their conditions instead of being supported.

Stay tuned for Part 2, where we explore the lack of mental health resources, consequences of neglecting mental health, and solutions for breaking the stigma.

Categories: Uncategorized

Africa’s Mental Health Crisis

Africa is facing a growing mental health crisis, with millions struggling in silence due to stigma, lack of resources and inadequate mental health infrastructure.

On any given day in Ghana, around 8500 people experience mental health disorders, yet it remains one of the most neglected areas of healthcare. With a population of over 32 million people, Ghana has seen remarkable strides in various sectors, but mental health remains a critical challenge.

Traditionally, mental illness was often misunderstood and attributed to spiritual or supernatural causes. People with mental health conditions were sometimes viewed as possessed or cursed, leading to their marginalization and mistreatment.

Matilda Ackumey August 12, 2024

227 Comments

Unspoken Narratives

Grief is, like, this really tough path that no one ever quite gets you ready for. It sneaks into your life, shakes everything up in a way that’s almost unbearable, and leaves you with these big questions that might never get answered. My story, much like so many others out there, is filled with deep loss and sorrow but also eventually a kind of healing.

So recently I put my personal journey out there on LinkedIn during a chat with Margaret Martinez. This conversation opened up some pretty raw wounds but also helped me see how powerful vulnerability and community can be when it comes to healing. Today, I want to share this part of my life through Secret Memoir not just as someone who started a mental health community but as someone who has walked through some seriously dark times and found just a bit of light.

Matilda Ackumey September 13, 2024

274 Comments

Why is Mental Health overlooked in Ghana – Part 2

Even when people recognize that they need help, finding mental health support in Ghana and most of Africa is extremely difficult.

james eddy April 29, 2025

189 Comments

Self-Care for a Healthy Life and Longevity:

In today’s fast-paced world, we often find ourselves consumed by responsibilities, deadlines, and the demands of daily life. It’s easy to neglect the one person who deserves our utmost care and attention, ourselves. The truth is, nurturing yourself is not a luxury; it’s a necessity for living a long, healthy life. Self-care is the foundation of longevity, and by making time for it, we improve not only our physical well-being but also our mental and emotional health.

The connection between self-care and longevity is undeniable. Numerous studies have shown that people who take care of themselves through proper diet, regular exercise, stress management, and mental wellness live longer, healthier lives. When we nurture ourselves, we fuel our bodies and minds with what they need to function optimally. Neglecting this can lead to burnout, chronic illnesses, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan.

Self-care is not just about indulging in spa days or taking vacations, although those can certainly help! It’s about adopting a lifestyle that promotes balance, health, and happiness on a daily basis. Here’s how you can cultivate self-care practices that can boost your longevity.

james eddy September 18, 2024

269 Comments

Ghana Lost 81 Lives to Suicide in the First Half of 2024: A Mental Health Crisis

In the initial six months of 2024, Ghana witnessed a deeply distressing surge in suicide incidents, with 81 individuals tragically ending their lives. This figure is almost double the 48 suicides recorded over the entire span of 2023, as noted by Estelle Appiah, who is currently serving as the Board Chairman of the Mental Health Authority (MHA). The alarming rise in these numbers is that it highlights an escalating mental health emergency within the nation, one that clearly requires immediate and focused intervention.

The crisis isn’t confined to just these heartbreaking losses. Throughout 2023, the Mental Health Authority also documented 594 attempts at suicide, which paints a vivid picture of how severe mental health struggles are for many Ghanaians. These statistics imply that countless individuals are grappling with profound emotional and psychological challenges, often feeling trapped without any viable escape route.

Matilda Ackumey September 13, 2024

242 Comments