Mr Yussif Mustapha, a Mental Health nurse at the Westside Mental Health Center has lamented that persons with mental health conditions in Ghana have been going through many challenges in addition to their mental ill-health.
He said the sector was formerly funded by the Government of Ghana but for some years now there has been no support with just a few medications signed on to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
He, therefore, called on the public and benevolent agencies to support the sector to help cater for people with mental disorders.
Mr Mustapha who was speaking in a media engagement said inadequate financing for mental health continues to be the biggest limitation, negatively impacting efforts to expand Africa’s mental health workforce.
He indicated that mental health issues can affect anyone at any time and urged the public to make positive changes by connecting with other people, being physically active, practising mindfulness, learning a new skill and giving to others.
He mentioned that October 10 was used to observe World Mental Health Day as an annual awareness programme that brings attention to mental health issues and how they affect people.
He divulged that the theme for this year’s World Mental Health Day was ensuring mental health and well-being for all becomes a global priority, but this starts with focusing on and prioritising your own mental health.
He mentioned the theme for this year’s celebration as, ‘Making mental health and wellbeing for all a global priority” and said Ghana joins the rest of the world to celebrate the Day.
Mr Mustapha, therefore, encouraged the public to take an hour out to reflect on their lives, and where they might implement some positive habits.
“This isn’t just for those already affected, prevention is just as important as a cure. As we return to a fast-paced life, taking a moment to pause and reflect on ourselves is rarely at the top of our to-do list”, stated.
