The Western Regional Director for the Department of Gender, Maribel Akuorkor Okine, has advised the public to prioritise their own mental well-being. 

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 advised 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.”  

She indicated that stigma and neglect of affected persons continued to be a great worry in caring for such persons … “Let’s 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 said that for women, factors like hormonal fluctuations, caregiving responsibilities, and trauma could contribute to anxiety and depression, while in the case of 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, she said. 

Madam Okine said there was a significant treatment gap in countries, including Ghana, where disorders remained untreated and highlighted the need for increased access to mental health services in the country.