The Upper East Regional Mental Health Coordinator, Edem Quarshie Ameglah, has raised serious concerns about the increasing number of mental health cases in the region, stressing the urgent need for public education and early intervention.
Speaking on A1 Radio, Mr. Ameglah revealed that within the first quarter of 2025 alone, health facilities across the region recorded 611 cases of mental health conditions.
Among the reported cases, bipolar disorder, depression (44 cases), and alcohol-related mental health issues (58 cases) were the most prevalent.
Mr. Ameglah noted that these figures only represent cases reported at health facilities and do not account for unreported conditions, suggesting that the actual number may be significantly higher.
“People do not take their mental health seriously. Often, they delay seeking help from health facilities when they begin to experience mental fatigue and other warning signs,” he stated.
He attributed the delay in seeking professional help to the persistent social stigma surrounding mental health and the growing tendency to turn to faith-based healers instead of accredited mental health services.
“Stigma and misinformation are preventing many from accessing timely medical care. Some prefer prayer camps or other faith-based healers, which sometimes worsens their condition,” he said.
Mr. Ameglah called on stakeholders, community leaders, and health professionals to intensify education and advocacy on mental health, urging individuals to prioritize their mental well-being as much as their physical health.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Moses Apiah|Talensi
