Mental Health Authority Raises Alarm Over Rising Cases Among Adolescents, Women

 The Mental Health Authority has expressed concern over the escalating cases of mental health issues among adolescents and women, particularly during pregnancy and childbirth. According to Professor Pinamang Appau, Chief Executive of the Authority, research indicates that nearly 10% of teenagers in Ghana qualify for a psychiatric diagnosis, affecting their academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.

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The Authority also notes a high prevalence of perinatal depression among women, reaching up to 50.1% with suicidal ideations at 13-17%. This highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues among mothers during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum.

Speaking at a public forum on mental health, Prof Appau emphasized the need to de-stigmatize mental health issues and encourage those in need to seek help without shame. She also called for better conditions of service for mental health professionals to enable them to deliver quality services.

Dr. Mrs. Ruth Owusu-Antwi, Head of Psychiatry at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, stressed that mental health issues affect people from all walks of life and urged early help-seeking. She noted that stress is a significant risk factor for mental breakdown, with over 40% of Ghanaians experiencing moderate to severe stress levels.

The Vice-Chancellor of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, encouraged open conversations about mental health and seeking help when needed.