Dr. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, a psychiatrist at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, reports a high prevalence of mental health issues among Ghanaians, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mental health awareness has increased during the Covid-19 period, with approximately 12,000 cases reported in the past year at KATH alone. However, Dr. Owusu-Antwi questions whether people became aware of mental health or experienced it.
She believes that people would be able to tell if they have a mental health issue if there is a change in their way of life. Change can be defined as a shift from being lively to introvert or reserved to loud, which is the defining word for mental breakdown. The confusion surrounding mental health has been compounded by the numerous conversations surrounding it.
Professor Osei Sampene, a pathologist, also underlined the significance of getting assistance anytime one observes changes.
Some people may be introverted and become even more reserved under certain situations. In the worst situation, people could believe they’re normal because it can occasionally become quite difficult to see. However, their reactions to even seemingly basic things can occasionally be peculiar. When you observe these significant changes, you should get treatment,” he stated.
According to both medical professionals, a mental health center in the Ashanti area would be beneficial in meeting the mental health requirements of those residing in Ghana’s northern region.
Source: JoyNews
